Steamboat & Flat Tops
SnowpackBilly Grimes · Jan 9, 2014
Weather
Calm, partly cloudy, North facing slope @ 7040ft.
Snowpack
Relatively cohesive snowpack with decent transition of grain type, size and temperature gradient. Area was well sheltered and not affected by recent wind event following the last storm. Major concern was potential surface hoar which developed 12/28/13 prior to recent storm cycle. Did not identify crystals in pit profile but after correlating known date of last surface hoar event I believe they were at the interface of the 115cm↑ layer which was the most reactive, this layer transition also correlates with largest temperature differential. As new snow consolidates and forms slab characteristics this will be the most susceptible weakness (or it currently is where wind slab has been deposited). What I believe to be the persistent slab interface is getting buried very deep at almost 100cm↓ (on this aspect/microclimate- past the skier pressure bulb), but concern would elevate in peripheral areas where snowpack shallows around terrain features, however, Deep Tab test did not yield reactive results at this interface. The associated 64-66cm↑ layer was very pronounced and held considerable needles and debris. Overall snowpack tests yielded moderate to hard results. Additionally, depth hoar layers were harder than would be expected. See profile for additional information. Please note hardness and grain type observations are associated with new experience in complete full pit profiles.