| Recent Avalanches? | No |
| Collapsing (Whumphing)? | Yes |
| Cracking (Shooting cracks)? | No |
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Tincan
10:15-4:15-Our group of three ascended the standard skin track to TL and assessed instability with a lap in the trees before ascending into Alpine. Moving into the alpine, we encountered a variable snow surface with heavy wind deposits within meters of unaffected, smooth snow. (2,500ft+). We conducted instability tests with no alarming results, and skied Tincan Common, while exiting in the lower meadows. My snowpack intentions were to find BSH/MLK Jr Layer, slab reactivity and assess the wind/recent snow events.
Obvious signs of instability
Observer Comments
Recent loading within 12 hours was apparent with visual snow on/off of tree branches within treeline.
Localized collapsing at 3,000 ft+ on/ near convexities.
Weather
10:15-12:00 Few clouds present with temps within 20°F +/- with Light E Wind, VF 500-1,000ft
12:00-4:15 Gradually Broken skies, Sun Dog/ Halo present with OVC over Summit Lake Area.
Light Winds from E, with consistent temps in 20°F +/-.
Valley Fog lifted around 3pm and No Precip throughout entire day.
Snow surface
4-6cm of fresh, dry snow in areas unaffected by recent wind event.
Dendrites/Plates were widespread from 1,500ft+
Wind-affected areas contained approx 50cm+ additional snow compared to unaffected surfaces within meters.
No visually wind-scoured areas on Tincan, but was very obvious on N. sunburst, and E Seattle Ridge.
Ski/Boot PEN: 30/55cm
Snowpack
In general, the first 50-60cm below surface, which encompasses the 1/28-1/29 storm event, is becoming more cohesive, with additional compaction due to wind and no near-surface faceting observed (Due to hardness assessment).
The faceted, MLK Layer was present, but no surface hoar was observed.
Our tests were conducted above the ridgeline between Common/Hippy Bowl, at 3,080ft on a SW aspect, 21° Slope, -7°C.
*See SnowPilot for profile details*
Tests:
-STE @50cm below Surface
-CT 21 PC 55cm below surface on Decomposing Precip particles
-2x ECTX
-PST 60/100 SF on LOC (N/O interface) 70cm below surface (20200204)
Hardness Profile- 3,100 ft, Tincan Ridgeline , SW, 21° Slope
