Grand Mesa

Snowpack

Rob Hunker · Jan 26, 2013 · Grand Mesa

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Weather

1230hrs; OBS-OC; S-1 trending NIL; 32F; 92%; SSE 4/10; rain in the North Fork Valley and GJT.

Snowpack

HS 42"; HN 2"; basal layer fist depth hoar beginning to round but still cohesionless; midpack layer 4 finger facets with rounding..I was able to cut out a block which held form, soft, beginning cohesion; surface layer of new snow is moist and cohesive. Easy shear failure between the surface layer and the upper midpack. No signs of instability other than wet surface rollers. A 2" load of water will likely cause failure of the snowpack going to ground.