Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

As peppy participants of an AIARE level 2 class a large group went on a short tour up the SE ridge of Twin Bowls at approximately 14:00, where we experienced rapidly warming, somewhat sloppy snow. Sky conditions were fickle, with broken coverage and light, soggy snow then dappled with the occasional glorious sunshine. Our snow pits were located on a SE (128* ) aspect, 20* slope angle at 8318’ with HS 100cm and an OAT 2*C, calm winds. Our fantastic findings were as follows:

Hand Hardness
0-10 cm 1F ( 2, 2.5 mm Snow grain size )
10-30 cm -1F
30-64cm +1F ( 1mm grain size )
64-80 cm 4F (<1mm grain)
80+ cm F (1mm grain)

CTH -H failure @ 10cm, Q2
ECTP 26- H failure @1cm Q1

depth hoar and problematic 12/07 persistent weak layer were really making friends and bonding, rounding out towards consolidation.

This observation was a group effort, because teamwork makes the dream work.