A few shallow wind slab avalanches observed, littered across the pass from the weekend.
Observation:
Location: Sunburst
Sunburst, common track up west ridge to 3500′.
Observer Comments
Weather
Mostly sunny, cold (0F) at ridgetops and windy. Sustained 15-20mph westerly winds.
Snow surface
1800 - 2800' : 6" low density powder on supportable crust.
2800 - 3500' : Variable. Sunburst west ridge is totally scoured to firm wind board and sastrugi, making for easy boot packing. Pockets of 2'+ soft wind slabs on N aspects. Once away from the wind-scoured ridge, surface softens up dramatically on the decent.
Snowpack
High strength, low to moderate energy and a generally good structure* found in test pits.
Pit #1: HS 215cm @ 3550', West aspect, Sunburst.
ECTP26 down 30cm on 3-5mm buried surface hoar*.
ECTN24 on same layer.
Pit #2: HS 150cm @ 3200', SE aspect.
ECTX. No surface hoar found in this pit.
*A note on the buried surface hoar: Though a bit of a surprise to find today (likely deposited Thursday night/ Friday morning), this layer showed high strength and propagated in 1 of 2 ECT's. SH was not found in second, lower pit and likely 'pockety' in nature.
Stiff west wind still actively transporting snow and building wind slabs on leeward slopes.
A layer of buried surface hoar was a surprise to find today. Overlying slab is showing signs of good strength.
Close up of 3-5mm buried surface hoar on Sunburst, West face.
Low volume, loose snow avalanche below CFR ridge, Tin Can.
Strongest winds observed today were at low elevations. Looking North up 20-mile drainage with stiff west winds kicking up sand and silt along Turnagain Arm.
AvaTech snow profile from 3550', 32 degree slope, West aspect on Sunburst. Still learning how to use this device!