Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

We dug a snowpit with HS of 77cm on a SW aspect at 6415ft with a slope angle of 19 degrees. Test results from this pit were CTN, CTH failing on the layer 42cm down with resistant planar fracture character, and ECTX. Of note, there were two crust layers in the top few centimeters of the snowpack, which could become a sliding surface after our next storm I have attached a photo of the pit with more detail. While skinning, we observed 3mm surface hoar on nearly all surfaces, but on the southern aspects the surface hoar had gone through a few melt/freeze cycles. We did not observe any natural avalanches or see any signs of instability, but noted warm temperatures on the southern aspects.