Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Cold bluebird morning, 3*F at trailhead, felt like an inversion, much warmer at 8500-9000ft. Sunny and calm day.

Variable snow conditions changing with elevation and aspects

Dug quick pit @ 8300ft NE aspect, HS: 95-105cm , Slope angle: 30*, CT4 down @65-70cm , ECTP11 SC down @65-70cm (same layer as CT), F hardness almost throughout all of snowpack besides new rain crust layer at top & some 4F mixed in between weak layers. Only got one photo, phone died due to cold, can see the weak layer down at 65cm in photo that was failing in tests. Had some cracking and small slab chunks slightly move when getting my sled unstuck on a 20 degree slope on this same weak layer, was enough of a reminder to stay off and away from steep terrain and slopes loaded from the wind.

Saw 15-20 natural D1-D1.5 avalanches, in upper elevation high alpine North facing aspects. In areas that were exposed to wind-loading. Some smaller wet loose avalanches at low elevation near valley floor.