Steamboat & Flat Tops

Snowpack

Jason Konigsberg, Mike Cooperstein · Feb 27, 2017 · Steamboat & Flat Tops

Weather

Wind was moderate at most elevations with strong gusts likely at the upper elevations. We weren't on any exposed ridgelines so it is hard to say extent of wind loading. A few flurries throughout the day but no accumulation from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Snowpack

The snowpack in this area is 2 to 3 meters deep on northerly and easterly aspects. The most concerning layer is near-surface facets buried from 30 to 45 cms deep. Results of ECTP18 on this layer were obtained on a north-facing, below- treeline slope. These results are consistent with snowpits we dug in other areas of the Flat Tops...We also found "the" buried surface hoar layer 115 cms from the surface in two snowpits. The snowpits were on an east and a north aspect. The surface hoar was laying down and results were negative in extended column tests. The depth of this layer is identical to the depth it is being found on Buffalo Pass near Steamboat Springs. With the surface hoar laying down and buried deeply beneath a very strong slab, it would be unlikely to trigger an avalanche on this layer in this area. Areas of concern would be places that received less snow in the last month with the buried SH layer closer to the surface... Although we did not get into any terrain receiving wind-drifted snow, it would be safe to assume that Wind Slab avalanches continue to be the primary concern.