Prairie Mountain Snowpack Analysis
Quick reportericj4415 · Jan 22, 2020
Quick report
- Weather
- windy, warm
- Ride Type
- mellowSlopes, sunnySlopes, openTrees
- Stayed Away
- alpineSlopes, steepSlopes
- Riding Quality
- Terrible
- Snow Conditions
- crusty, windAffected
- Avalanche Conditions
- avalancheConditionTemp
Was really looking to get after it today, however we approached the snowpack with a cautious and inquisitive attitude. We chose a south facing, wind affected slope at the hottest time of the day. After digging a quick pit, we discovered a shallow snowpack (35cm) with facets at 18 and 28 cm, with a hard surface crust. Our analysis suggests the snowpack was exposed to extreme cold recently due to a very granular crystal structure, pervasive throughout the entire test pit. We witnessed a collapse on the 18cm facet layer at a moderate test 15. We concluded the snowpack was safe to ride, and promptly made a fire and enjoyed some hotdogs. Don’t go, it sucks! ?