Steamboat & Flat Tops
Avalanchejohn morrone ยท Dec 25, 2014
Weather
variable clouds and clear in AM, then socking in and heavy snow in PM, light winds <5mph, -3C.
Snowpack
8800 ft, NW facing 25 degree slope 80 cm HS ice crust down 55 cm from surf. quick hand pit indicates a planar burried facet layer, about 30-35 cm down sheared easily at base of fist soft storm snow- top of 4 finger snow layer. storm snow just beginning to exhibit slab characteristics. ice layer is still intact, but less thick, facets at top and base appear to be thinning the ice, and are NOT easily sheared in test pit. facets may be gaining strength in mild temperatures??
Avalanche
none seen. small test slopes -no result from human on skiis rare minor woomphing, mostly near rocks and large shrubberys