Date of Observation: 01/16/2022
Name: Zach Guy
Zone: Southeast Mountains
Route Description: West Brush Creek, generally traveled on E and NE aspects to 11,300 ft.
Observed avalanche activity: No
Weather: Calm winds. A few thin clouds this afternoon.
Snowpack: No signs of instability. HS ranged from 120 to 150 cm. PSTs targeting basal weak layers showed an improving trend, with propagation after half of the weak layer was cut (PST 58/120 END down 120cm on 12/6). There were some shrubberies within the weak layer that may have affected the results. The 12/6 layer (2.5-3.5 mm rounding depth hoar, 4F) shows noticeable signs of rounding and hardening compared to pits at a similar elevation last week.
Snow surfaces are faceting and are currently weakest (and softest) on near and below treeline, wind-sheltered, shaded terrain. Sun crusts have formed on anything with a hint of south of due east. Wind board at higher elevations or on more wind-exposed lower elevations.
Photos:
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- Large settlement cones showing how the snowpack is consolidating
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- Snow profile on a NE aspect NTL
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- Snow profile on a NE aspect NTL
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- An example of some W and NW terrain NTL that has enough snowpack for a slab and thins out near ridgeline, making for a sudden transition from thin to thick.
