Close

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 26, 2020
Submitted:
December 26, 2020
Observer:
WAC - Tom Guthrie
Zone or Region:
Elkhorns
Location:
Northern Elkhorns

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

My major concern is repeated propagation in my snow pit test results today.My columns were failing 20 centimeters down within the solstice melt freeze crust. Moderate force was needed and full propagation was observed on both columns.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
20
Wind:
Light , NW

Observed 3”-4” new snow sitting atop the Solstice crust. It was snowing off and on all morning tapering off in the afternoon.Winds were light except at ridge line where moderate west winds were encountered.

Snowpack Observations

This afternoon we performed 2 extended column tests at 8600’ on an east facing slope.The height of snow at this location was 170 centimeters and the slope angle was 32 degrees.Column scores were almost identical:
ECTP 12+1 down 20cm.The 1” weak layer was soft new snow sandwiched between a couple of stout crust layers.The snowpack structure we observed at this location seems to be fairly widespread.

Terrain Use

Because of concerns about the structure of our current snowpack,we moved through the terrain conservatively today.

Close