Observation: Summit

Location: Tenderfoot

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Standard route on WSW aspect to 2400′ tree line. 4-6″ total of new storm snow from the Christmas storm that ended early this morning. The snow was very tender, cracking was observed while breaking trail off the old skin track. No new avalanche activity was seen, but overcast skies made it difficult to see detail on surrounding peaks.

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)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

The new snow was very touchy off of the established skin track where cracking was common.

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

Overcast
20F's
Calm winds

Snow surface

4-6" unconsolidated new snow

Snowpack

Very thin snowpack. At 1200' there is about ~12" of snow total. At 2400' there is ~20" total. Off of the the old ski track ski pen was almost to ground and so was boot pen. The snowpack is very weak, with basal facets and faceted snow in the bottom 1/2 of the snowpack. Buried surface hoar was also found below the new snow.

Numerous hand pits all failed easily or on isolation on large grain facets (2mm.) See photos below of the weak snow layers within the snowpack at 2200' and 2400'.

Photos & Video
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