Observation: Summit

Location: Fresno Trees

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Skinned from Manitoba lot and stuck to mellow terrain on the southern end of Fresno.

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Obvious signs of instability
Recent Avalanches?No
Collapsing (Whumphing)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Observer Comments

Localized collapsing in some areas, especially around alders.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Around freezing, S wind 5-10 knots, broken skies.

Snow surface

New snow, wet with a bit of rain at the road, heavy above 1500 ft or so.

Snowpack

We dug three pits at 2330 feet on an east facing slope with slope angles between 26-28ยบ. Notable results included CT4, CT1, and CTV on on the ground. The final test column slid about 6" as soon as the saw hit the ground to isolate it (see photo). Basal facets were less reactive in extended column tests with ECTN19 and ECTN16 at the new/old snow interface at 70cm from ground. There was a lot of spatial variability in the amount and quality of the basal facets. Wind had clearly been transporting snow, but wind was calm in the trees and had not influenced area where we dug. In general, snowpack was right side up except for the basal faceting. Tried to trigger a S facing test slope, but could not.

Photos & Video
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