Vail & Summit County
SnowpackAmanda Loughlin · Feb 20, 2024 · Vail & Summit County
Weather
Temps in the mid 20's, overcast skies becoming broken in the afternoon, light west winds becoming moderate with snow transport.
Snowpack
I observed evidence of wind and sun effect on east through south aspects throughout my tour. I did not observe any avalanches or experience collapsing. Height of snow (HS) on southeast aspect near treeline ranged from 100-160cm. A snow pit dug on this aspect revealed new snow and decomposing/fragmenting particles under surface melt freeze crust. I found 2 additional layers of melt forms, rounded grains, and rounding facets sitting over 36cm of depth hoar. This snow structure was not reactive to Compression Tests (CTs) or Extended Column Tests (ECTs) with scores of CTN and ECTX. A Propagation Saw Test (PST) did result in PST 44/100 (End) at 35cm (depth hoar) indicating high propagation propensity.