The late-January weak layer (facets/surface hoar) seems to have stabilized. The December facets are buried 4-5' feet deep, and are still surprisingly weak. Storm total since 2/11 seems to be 6-10" depending on elevation. Wind loading at ridge level was pretty minor.
S-1 to S1 while we were in the field (1000-1500). Conditions were fairly wet at highway level but drier up high. Winds were light from the W to SW, but not moving much snow.
Two pits (8750' & 8900', ENE) showed negative results on 1/27 which was visually apparent in both locations and down ~70cm. SH remnants at this layer were subtle. One pit finally propagated after bashing on the shovel in an ECT.nAnother thin but unremarkable SH layer was present in both pits, possibly buried 2/2, down about 40cm. Got weak ECTN results.n 12/11 is buried 140-150cm deep and remains surprisingly weak (4F to 4F+).
HS at upper elevations is 180cm+.
Minimal wind loading was observed along an exposed ridge crest that typically experiences significant drifting. Small cornice drops produced no results. Cornices from last weeks wind event remain touchy,
Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
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Deep Persistent Slab |
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Layer Depth/Date: 140-150cm Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf) Comments: Rose indicates observed terrain. |
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Wind Slab |
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Comments: Observed wind loading was pretty minor, but snow was moving and some drifting observed along exposed ridges. |