Steamboat & Flat Tops

Snowpack

Brian Gardel · Dec 20, 2020 · Steamboat & Flat Tops

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Weather

Calm and overcast, with temps rising into the 20’s at elevation

Snowpack

Weak, shallow, and punchy was the theme for today. Snow depth in the Hahns Peak lake area ranges roughly 40-70cm, depending on aspect and elevation. Traveling on skis on East facing terrain from 9200'-10,200', we noted some consolidation of the upper 40cm of the pack, while the mid- and lower-pack was a mix of facets, decomposing melt-freeze crust, and depth hoar. Ski pen: 40cm. Boot pen: 75cm. Test slopes did not react, though did observe some cracking while skiing. Instability tests reactive with ECTP11 RP on 4F facet layer (2mm) down 40cm. No wind loading. No signs of recent activity.