Vail & Summit County

Snowpack

Aspect - North / North East Near Tree line above Surprise Lake Gore Range. Problem Storm Slab - CT3 Q1 NOT GOOD Dug pit full depth to ground about 4 feet. Examined profile completed shovel shear and 3 compression tests. Compression tests were failing with only couple light hand taps results in the low single digits (CT3) ,with depth (20 inches), (Q1 sheer with energy ). This failure was taking place at the new / old snow interface on an inch thick weak layer of faceted snow. This weak layer developed during the drought cycle previous to the resent storm system. The snow pack also failed on facets at the ground with shear force or substantial compression (CT 20+). Interestingly we could not get the small test slope to slide despite convexity and steep pitch. I believe the small size of the slope (about 50 vert feet) was supported by the surrounding terrain. I expect the larger and or unsupported slops would have gone quite easily. Side note - I experienced a large collapse with wumph in a meadow at lower elevation. it was an easy day to kill your self out there if you made poor choices.