Date of Observation: 11/22/2021
Name: Eric Roberts, J. Caprio, W. Gilliam
Zone: Northwest Mountains
Route Description: 08:45-15:00
Our group of three toured from Schofield Pass Road near Friends Lake to our high point of 12, 400 in the East Basin of Mount Baldy.
We conducted test pits above treeline with results showing poor stability overall and false stable conditions. Great skiing conditions overall on North-East aspects as we descended near our skin track with no incidents. Beautiful day!
Observed avalanche activity: No
Avalanches:
Weather: Clear
Calm
31°F @ 11,375′ (10:30)
No Precipitation
Snowpack: Snow Surface:
10,500′-11,500′ :20-40cm with wind kissed surface with NSF up to 10cm below surface. Wind slabs are present 10-15cm below surface in exposed terrain. There is a Melt-freeze crust/facet combo on ENE aspects approximately 15cm below surface.
11,500′-12,400′: 1-4″ of Fresh low density snow in sheltered areas ranging to unsupportive wind stiffened surfaces with HS 40-120cm.
Overall, our focus was to assess the SE zone and look for slab formation above treeline.
Instability tests at 11,375′ showed results of low-moderate strength with propagation potential, but there is evidence of false stable conditions.
Compression tests showed sudden results, at the base (120cm), despite the moderate results.
ECT’s varied in propagation potential, but more alarming is once again the fracture character of a sudden collapse at the base, despite the high results.
The upper snowpack in this location is complex and variable and the 1F-4F wind slab(20cm down) is potentially bridging the deeper, weaker snow. Time, warmer temps, shallow terrain and additional loads will potentially allow one to penetrate these layers.
A temperature gradient is present in the upper snowpack. 0-20cm below surface.
Surface hoar feathers 1-3mm were observed in the north facing treeline between 10,000′-10,600′.
