Location: Kebler Pass Area
Date of Observation: 02/16/2020
Name: Eric Murrow
Subject: Kebler Pass snow check
Aspect: North, North East, East, South East, South
Elevation: 9200 – 11500′
Avalanches: Observed a couple of dry loose avalanches on very steep easterly terrain, very small in size and only involved new snow.
Weather: Overcast skies with light winds at valley bottom. Little to no snowfall from 1230 – 330. New snow accumulations of 5″ at 11,400′ @ 300pm. New snow was largely small graupel and rimed precip particles. A minimal amount of drifting at ridge top near treeline at this location. Had reasonable views of greater Anthracite Range in the afternoon with some wind transport visible above treeline but less than expected. Winds were from the west. Leaving Kebler Pass around 330 snowfall started again and winds began to pick up.
Snowpack: No cracking with the new snow or at old interface. Traveled through southerly start zones between 11,000′ – 11,500′ and found crusts 5 to 7cm thick on south aspects and 2-3cm thick on southeast beneath the new snow. Due south slopes made for fun dust on crust skiing.
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