Grand Mesa

Snowpack

Rob Hunker · Feb 20, 2013 · Grand Mesa

View on map

Weather

1200hrs; OBS; S-1; 63%; 23F;E@2/8

Snowpack

HS 54"; basal layer 4F facets with some bonding of grains; midpack 2 facet layers: lower layer F cohesionless facets; upper layer 4F facets with some bonding of grains; upper midpack dust/crust layer; surface layer cohesionless PP. Loaded column no failure at dust/crust layer; hard failure at lower midpack facet basal interface. I was able to cut out a soft block with it holding form of 3 of the 4 facet layers. Problems: loose or storm slab failure on the dust/crust layer possible with 14" on the storm board; persistent slab failure of the lower midpack/basal interface possible with 24" on the storm board.