CAIC Observation Report

Snowpack

Crested Butte Avalanche Center ยท Jan 18, 2014

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Weather

Clear skies, strong solar presence temps in the 20's, light west winds

Snowpack

Areas of strong crossloading, variable depth ranging from 45cm to 140cm. Near surface facets above wind crust on some SSE aspects. Settlement cones around fence posts and trees ranging from 6-8." On northeast aspect below treeline in wind sheltered terrain our group experienced two large collapses. Three snow pits were dug 1) BTL wind sheltered NE aspect HS 145cm- CT17 Q1 76cm, ECTP20 Q1 76 cm- Failures were on buried surface hoar layer 2) BTL cross loaded feature HS 107cm- CT12 25cm Q2, ECTX 3) BTL lee aspect HS 45cm CT1 Q3 35cm, ECTN 26 35cm