Sunshine and double-over-big-toe blower pow

Snowpack

Depth

110

Obs Type

summary

Site Aspect

W

Test Fracture

sudden

Ski Penetration

10

Test Initiation

easy

Foot Penetration

20

Test Failure Depth

80

Site Elevation Band

tln

Surface Conditions

newSnow

Test Failure Layer Crystal Types

other, crust

At 1100 m, CTE (5) down 80 cm on large, loosely consolidated wet grains below a decomposing crust HS was110 cm. The upper pack was peppered with crusts but generally well bonded, the failure was a sudden collapse within a 10cm layer of rotten snow. Checked again at 1400m and had a CTM 12 down 90 cm on slightly faceted grains, also below a decomposing crust, HS 180cm. We did see old debris covered by the recent storm snow but the only other signs of instability were small point releases and pinwheeling from trees and steep cliffs. Turns were dreamy, high speed powder over a supportive but forgiving base.