Steamboat & Flat Tops
SnowpackDan Edmiston · Dec 14, 2019 · Steamboat & Flat Tops
Weather
9700ft, East aspect on Baker Peak. Repeated snow squalls pushing through all morning with visibility dropping to less than a quarter mile at times and snow rates around 1"+ in/hr. During breaks in squalls visibility lifted but still limited to a few miles at most. Winds were moderate out of the west with strong gusts and substantial wind transport. Began descent around noon due to degrading weather and reduced visibility at ridge tops.
Snowpack
9700ft, east aspect, Baker Peak, 100cm total snow with 25cm of storm snow showing localized cracks while ascending skin track. Storm slab moved easy in a shovel tilt test. Column test showed CTM results down 40cm on the buried near surface facet layer from 12/8. CTH results on the depth hoar interface (80-85cm down) from the early November snow. ECTN in the medium range on both storm and near surface facet layers, slabs might still be too soft but are something to keep an eye on. Did not isolate below depth hoar interface so I have no data on it's propagation potential. No whoomphing was observed. Observed slopes in the 40+ degree range and did not observe any natural avalanches. Skied slopes in the 25 degree range and stayed clear of avalanche terrain today.