Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

We dug an ECT on a south facing slope at 7200 ft. Total height of snow was 50". We did not have any propagation:
7" below surface ECTN 10
12" ECTN 12
15" ECTN 24 this layer broke irregularly
There were no basal facets at this location, just dense snow on bear grass. The snowpack was right side up and cohesive.
We didn't experience any cracking until near where wind had made a stiff wind crust that cracked under your feet but didn't slide farther than you pushed it.
Surface hoar seemed to be nonexistent at all elevations, possibly due to consistent cloud cover, although we did not look at the small surface crystals on the snow in any detail.