Field Observations
Jan.8, 2015
Route
Tincan to 2700′
Weather
Temps: 37F at parking lot and 34F at 2700′
Wind: Northeast, 10-20mph
Sky: Obscured
Precip: Rain (light/mod)
Rain line: ≈ 3000′ +/-
Obvious Signs Of Instability
Recent Avalanches-NO
Shooting Cracks-NO
Collapsing – NO
Surface Obs –
1000′ – Saturated top 2″ of snow on 6″ of firm snow
2000′ – 3″ of wet saturated snow on 3″ dryer low density snow
3000′ – 3″ of wet saturated snow on firm hard-pack snow
*Surface hoar growth from the last week has melted due to high temps and rain
Snow Below the Surface:
At 2700′, saturated snow in the top 3″, water was penetrating into the snowpack and pooling in puddles
at density changes within the top 10-12″. Could feel small localized crusts forming with saw blade when
cutting through top 12″ of snow. Temperatures within the top meter of snow were between -2C to -5.5C.
Buried surface hoar layer was found 80cm below the surface and was none reactive.
*We couldn’t get wet saturated snow to move with ski tests, only produced small rollerballs. Snow was
supportable, buy very sticky and difficult to ski.
Pit @2700′ – WSW aspect, 25* slope, HS=155cm
Test Results- CTN, ECTX, ECTN 25cm from surface on density change (1F to P)
See pit picture for structure details
Snow pit at 2700' on Tincan
surface snow wasn't quite pushable with ski cut tests - only produced small rollerballs
At 2700' and below - surface hoar from the last week has been destroyed due to high temps and rain
View looking south - rain line looked to be around 3000ft or higher.