Cloudy and mild. Moderate winds out of the East, gusting into the 30s mph.
Very light precip (snow).
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Tincan
Tincan to 3,400′
Weather
Snow surface
Trace of snow on rain crust up to 2,500'
1cm Sun crust on S facing slopes over 30 degrees (above 2,500')
High variability in the Alpine-scoured surfaces, micro wind slabs (2"),
rollerballs, and 3-4” of soft settled snow (pockets)
Snowpack
We dug in 3 locations. Our focus was on the late Jan facet layer. Reactivity
has lessened and the layer has gained strength. We were able to get results in
some pits that showed high strength and moderate propagation potential. We also
found a layer of buried surface hoar 40cm/16" below a very stout wind slab on
the North side of Tincan ridge at 3,200'. The layer showed high strength and
moderate propagation potential.
With these layers in the snowpack there remains enough question marks to warrant continued assessment. The last loading event was over a week ago, which is helpful in terms of stability. However with buried persistent weak layers present it is by no means a “green light” snowpack.
Pits
1. 2,800' SW: high strength, moderate propagation potential
2. 3,200' N: moderate>high strength, mod propagation potential
3. 3,200' S: high strength, mod propagation potential
A very stout (pencil hardness) slab in this location (N side of Tincan ridge)-difficult to break up this slab with the weight of a person
Variable conditions in the Alpine including soft snow. Looking down Common Bowl towards the Seward Highway
Cloudy with very light precip moving in by 2pm
A layer of buried surface hoar 16" down- N aspect 3,200'
Profile from N facing pit @ 3,200'