Observation: Turnagain

Went up to Seattle ridge today to check out snow coverage and snowpack structure
on the motorized side of the highway.

Obvious Signs Of Instability
No avalanches
No shooting cracks
No whoompfing

Snowpack Observations:

Average height of snow @ 2,000’ is 16” (40cm)

Thin crust (2-3mm thick) on the surface formed initially by freezing rain & warm
temps (12/3-6). Clearing skies and cooler evening temps (12/7-8) have helped to
freeze this layer.

Surface hoar (3-5mm) is sitting on this crust and anchored to the crust. This
surface hoar is widespread between 1,000 and 3,000’ (see photo). Steep south
facing slopes do not have this grain type on the surface. We will be tracking
this layer leading up to the next loading event.

Weak faceted snow that formed during the cooler drier weather over the last
month is still intact, despite recent warm temps.

Thin overall coverage in the Turnagain Pass area-see photos.