Location: Kebler Pass Area
Date of Observation: 01/19/2020
Name: Ian Havlick
Subject: Far Western Anthracites
Aspect: North, North East, East, South East, South
Elevation: 9800-11500
Avalanches: Small windslab avalanche failing <10″ deep in ENE facing previously wind-loaded feature. Otherwise, had great eyes on Beckwith, and surrounding terrain with no recent avalanches observed.
Weather: Beauty day. -5 to start the day, noticeably warmer mid-elevations, even by 0930. Minimal winds, strong solar radiation even though temperatures stayed chilly. 6-8″ settled new snow from previous storm in western Anthracites
Snowpack: Snowpack generally seems shallower than expected with average snowpack depths 100-130cm deep in terrain traveled (N/BTL). Distinct and easily identifiable grey stripe of surface hoar ~45-60cm deep, widespread in terrain traveled today. Performed ECT tests and revealed ECTP12 x 2, as well as failures/cracking in sledcuts on slopes between 25-30 in steepness. Stab stiffest above surface hoar in previously windloaded locations adjacent to cornices and ridgelines.