Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Made our way from 5k-6.5k ft today. Above 5,500 ft a foot of snow on most aspects and old snow on north aspects. Above 6,000 ft old, faceted snow on all aspects.
Observed evidence of wind loading on SE -N slopes, cornices above NE slopes. Snow was collapsing with every step on the skin up.
Dug a pit on a south face around 6,500 ft, 29°. 85 cm of total snow. 0-20cm -faceted, weak snow from October. 20-35cm -denser new snow. 35-40cm drier new snow. 40-75cm dense, cohesive, snowball worthy new snow. 78-85cm dry, wind drifted snow.
ECT 11, @78 cm ,no progation on wind drift/new snow layer
ECT 21, @35 cm, 30 cm of progation on "upside down" dry snow/dense snow layer

Facets were well bonded to the 20cm of snow above them.