Aspen

Snowpack

Anonymous · Feb 2, 2013 · Gunnison

Weather

Clear skies

Snowpack

Dug obs pit at treeline on a Northern aspect. Slope angle was 36-38. Notice a full unconsolidated depth hoar of 17"-20". The new snow from most recent storm was not consolidated to around 24" and was sitting on the 1/17 layer which is now a very stiff significant burried hard slab. This slab is anywhere from 8"-10" thick. Perfomed an ICT at this locaction. Very difficult to get any movement with quite a few hard blows from the shouler. Looks like the mid-pack is starting to bridge and consolidate. We we did cut the column it was breaking anywhwer from 24"-28" on the new snow and 1/17 interface which is acting as the newest sliding layer. It seems to be getting more difficult to trigger deep layer.... Had no intentions of skiing proper N. Face of Mt. Justice. Deep slab instabilities lurk and not the year to get wild. We skied all N/NE ridge dark timber to Anthracite Pass and over to Marble Peak run out. No significant sign of instability. The skiing was sublime.....