Ashman

Observations from the north side of Ashman Ridge on Sunday: Strong westerly winds transporting snow onto lee slopes. Wind affected snow observed well down into the trees. Coverage is very good for this time of year. No recent avalanche activity was observed. A quick pit @ 1400 metres on a north aspect 35 degree slope produced moderate (7) and hard (3) compression results within the recent storm snow (35 and 50 cm depths). Failures were planar and appeared to be associated with wind slab development. No obvious crusts or other weaknesses were observed at the failure planes. Snowpack increased in density with depth below the recent storm interface and produced no further results. The October crust was observed at a depth of ~180 cms and was not reactive. Crust extended pretty well to ground and was pencil hard/difficult to saw through. Height of snowpack: 210 cms.