Triggered several small point releases on a steep ~40 degree test slope
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Tincan
Ascended standard skin track to 2500′ on Tincan to take inventory of the weak faceted snow created over last few weeks of cold, clear weather. We found very loose, Fist Hard, snow in the top 10-20″ of the snowpack. Overnight 2-3″ fell on this weak layer.
Observer Comments
Weather
Overcast with fog obscuring visibility at times
Temps ~30 F at 1000'
by 3pm at sea level temps were 36F
Light winds with gusts to 15mph from the NE. Winds seemed to be picked up in the afternoon.
Snow surface
2-3" of low density new snow from overnight at all elevations
Snowpack
Under the new snow from overnight faceted weak snow was found in the top 10-20" of the snowpack and was widespread at all elevations and aspects. These facets were Fist hard and more developed (up to 2mm in size) in thinner areas of the snowpack. In a pit at 2500' on a Southwest aspect we found facets within the top 20" of the snowpack.
1000' HS~40cm (15")
2000' HS~75cm (30")
2500' HS~100cm (40")
Wendy distinguishing the old November snow that has been faceting out over the last few weeks of cold clear weather.
Fist hard faceted snow in a hand pit at 1700'. Notice the texture of the faceted snow compared to the 2" of new snow on the surface.
1.5-2mm facets found in a hand pit at 2400'.
Lower skin track of Tincan has surprisingly good coverage compared to areas just South near Magnum and Corn Biscuit.
Motorized lot had 2" of new snow from overnight