Plan C

Quick report

krupkalex · Dec 13, 2023 · Glacier

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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2

Quick report

Weather
cloudy, sunny
Ride Type
alpineSlopes
Stayed Away
sunnySlopes, convexSlopes
Riding Quality
good
Snow Conditions
windAffected, powder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSlab

Switched up our original plans and decided to head up Balu with various options to choose from. Decided to dig our pit just over the north shoulder heading up Cheops near the entrance to North Bowl / Nikki's. Replicated some alarming CT results (see snowpack report) and concluded to weave between tracks down Nikki's.

Snowpack

Depth
160
Obs Type
point
Site Aspect
NE
Test Fracture
sudden
Site Elevation
2250
Ski Penetration
10
Test Initiation
hard
Foot Penetration
20
Site Elevation Band
alp
Surface Conditions
variable
Test Failure Layer Crystal Types
surfaceHoar

Problematic layers found to lay overtop the Dec 1st PWL. Snowpack appears to be right side up. Suspect buried windslabs based on the prevalent lee aspect of the pit location.. Consistent failures on CT's with moderate results, with the Dec 1st failing on hard results - both of sudden planar character. Dec 1st surface consists of decomposing surface hoar (6-8mm).