See pit results below. No collapsing or cracking, even to 2000' where a pre-existing skin track didn't exist. No recent avalanche activity observed.
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Cornbiscuit -> Magnum PMS Bowl
- Cornbiscuit lot to 2000′ on Cornbiscuit’s NW aspect, then down and up Magnum/PMS Bowl on a SW to W aspect to 3100.’
Observer Comments
Weather
Overcast, with the ceiling lowering and occasional light snow increasing to 1cm/hr by sundown. Temps in the 20s. NW winds light gusting moderate above treeline, with the direction likely caused by terrain channeling.
Snow surface
At 1300' - 40cm of fist hard snow (from last week & buried facets) over a stout 10cm melt freeze crust. This sat over 20cm of moist snow. Height of Snow = 70cm
At 1500' - 55cm of fist hard -> 4 finger hard snow (from last week & buried facets) over a stout melt freeze crust.
At 2000' - same surface conditions as 1500' observation.
Above 2000' - generally 30-50cm of soft snow over a crust or harder layer. Wind slabs up to 20cm thick were occasionally present on West and SW aspects; no cracking or collapsing. South aspects generally softer. Ski Penetration (PS) ~ 10-25cm from 2000' to 3100' in PMS bowl.
Overall, less recent snow, shallower ski penetration, and more recent wind affect than observed on Eddies yesterday at similar elevations.
Snowpack
Snowpit Results: Elevation=3100', 18 degree slope, SW aspect, HS=120.
Pit was dug to the ground in PMS Bowl, several hundred yards off the ridge.
Surface to 30cm: Fist hard -> 4 finger hard snow from last week
@30cm: 2-4mm buried surface hoar (see photo of layer below)
30-40cm: 4 finger+ rounding facets
Below that:
5cm softer layer (4-finger) hardness density change
70cm well bonded pencil/1finger layers
5cm of 4 finger basel facets on the ground.
Test Results:
CT21 Resistant Planar & ECTN21 Resistant Planar 30cm from the surface, with the buried surface hoar failing.
Buried Surface Hoar layer 30cm below the surface in PMS Bowl.
Pit - see notes above. Buried Surface Hoar indicated by the line.
Overcast skies with the ceiling dropping around 3 PM.