Sawatch

Snowpack

Becs Hodgetts ยท Nov 29, 2013

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Weather

Bluebird day. Mild temps,Very light winds at ridgeline.

Snowpack

Snow depth varied from 50cms to 2m in wind drifts.South aspects were the exception, only 10-40cms near treeline on exposed slopes.Previous wind loading evident NW-N-NE apsects.Cooler north facing slopes held a weak basal layer, 20cm (1F) of 3-5mm depth hoar. Slab was 30cm wind-packed and faceted rounded particles (1F+)test results: CTE Q3. Surface hoar widespread. Grew to 5mm on shady slopes near treeline. Weak layers on East facing slopes were facet/crust combos.(CTMQ3)2mm Depth hoar present as a 6cm basal layer. No cracking or collapsing observed.