Steamboat & Flat Tops

Snowpack

Brian Gardel · Dec 25, 2019 · Steamboat & Flat Tops

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Weather

Overcast skies with periods of light snow showers. High of 19F at Storm Peak Lab. West wind 10-15mph gusting to 25mph.

Snowpack

Snowpack observed on N & SW aspects BTL. HS variable 80-130cm. S/SW aspects had shallower snowpack depths (~80cm) and a crust below the new snow. N aspects had snowpack depths ~130cm with the upper 3/4 of the snowpack Fist-Pencil gradual increase in hardness with depth sitting on a bed of facets. The new snow was reactive and sliding on a surface hoar layer. Tests result from Bruiser bowl (9,600ft, NW), HS 130: @50cm from the surface: CT21 sudden planar, ECTP30, PST 85/100 END. Failing on a crust/surface hoar combo @90cm from the surface: CT22 sudden collapse, PST 50/100 end. Failing on 2mm facets