Rapid Loading is a continuing red flag within the zone throughout this storm cycle.
Ski tests were performed on small convexities producing no releases or cracking with low volume sluffing from recent storm snow on the first 5-10cm.
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Tincan
10:30am -2:30pm
My partner and I broke trail on the standard approach track towards treeline. We encountered consistent snowfall, S2, with wind and visibility gradually deteriorating throughout our entire tour. We conducted instability tests at our high point, 2,200ft, with no alarming results and descended parallel to our skin track.
Observer Comments
Weather
Overcast skies with an obscured view of alpine, 2,500ft and above.
Consistent S2 from 10:30-2:30.
Calm to Light NW Winds with no active or observed wind loading.
Temperatures ranged from -3°C @ 1,000ft to -5°C @ 2, 200ft. (Measured)
Snow surface
20-35cm of new, low density snow from 2/19-2/21, F Hardness with no obvious wind affect.
Rimed Stellars/ Dendrites were actively depositing, observed (10x) throughout our tour from 1,500ft to 2,200ft.
Ski/Boot Penetration: 35cm/85cm
A 2mm, 4F Crust was present from 1,000ft to 1,600ft with approx. 2-5cm fresh above at 11am.
Snowpack
In general, our focus was to assess recent storm snow and observe the cohesive nature of the new/old interface along with assessing reactivity in the first 120cm, within treeline.
A significant crust (1-2mm) was present, ranging from 4F to 1F hardness, from 1,000-1,600ft, with 2-5cm of Stellar/Dendrites present above and up to 25cm below.
Hand Pits produced an unconsolidated interface in new storm snow ranging from 20-30cm below surface.
HS varied from 120-175cm @ 1,500ft and 200-275cm above 2,000ft.
A distinct decomposing Stellar layer was observed, approximately 70cm down, but no buried surface hoar was found in this specific pit.
*See Hardness Profile and SnowPilot for Results*
SnowPilot
Hardness Profile: 3,040 ft, S Aspect, 20° Slope
CT19 SP 96cm down on .5-1mm Rounding facets.