Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Splitboarding from Lolo Pass on 2/5. Toured from the visitors center up alongside the snowshoe track to what is known locally as 'Hamburger Hill'. Dug a pit on a Southeast aspect, just below the ridgeline at 5600 ft. Digging easily exposed a visible layer at roughly 10 cm that was responsible for slight collapsing felt on the way up. Isolated for ECT and performed test. On the third tap from the shoulder, two cracks appeared and propagated the length of the column in the same blow, one at roughly 35 cm of depth, the other at roughly 45 cm. After ECT was completed, shovel shear was implemented, exposing a Q1 shear on the layer at 35 cm. Shovel length limited shear potential and analysis at lower depths. Chose to limit our tour to low-angle terrain, especially considering continued snowfall and sustained winds.