Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Dug a pit on a north aspect at 8200’. We observed 3 unconsolidated but distinct layers in the top 6-8” of new snow, probably from the last 3 days, with a little crust between each day’s storm total. Deeper in the snowpack, over 2’ down, we found the early January persistent weak layer of faceted snow. We were not able to produce propagation, and the layer failed at ECT 28. It took some effort to pry it off, and was not a clean shear across the layer. Still, we chose to travel across and ride mellow terrain.