We dug in on this east facing slope at 1800 feet. Total height of the snow was
150 cm (5 feet). In general the snowpack is hard and strong with the exception
of the base 25cm at the ground and the powder at the surface. We performed a CT
test, with the column collapsing suddenly 3cm on isolation. This means that no
force was needed to initiate a collapse, we simply needed to cut the block free
with the saw.
A propagation saw test had similar results with the lower weak layers collapsing
the full length of the column after cutting the weak layer 40cm. Score PST
40/125. CTV SC (Q1)
All the pit investigations support the conclusion that avalanches are becoming
more difficult to trigger, but if it happens it will be very large.
Column test, showing collapse at the ground. Failed on isolation in a sudden collapse character.
Thin gray line is buried surface hoar. Collapse initiated in the depth hoar at the ground and compressed 3 cm.
Top of the same column showing the 3cm offset after the collapse happened while isolating the block.
Pit profile. Collapses happened at the bottom facets/depth hoar. Buried Surface hoar at 25cm (visible in the photos) did not show reactivity