Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

poor snowpack structure continues in the area. Highly variable snow depths in relation to wind exposure. In the trees, we observed the basal facet layer, no crust, smaller, volume low density snow, then was observed in nambe on Sunday. Dug a pit in the trees, weak layer is the depth hoar new snow interface. CT21 smooth planar, ECTN21. Up in nambe, winds have stripped a lot of the new snow. Very limited wind slab development with irregular distribution, measuring approx 1”. At higher elevations on a northern facing slope, almost all the new snow has been blown away, only leaving the depth hoar, a 1” crust, and ~4-16” of 4F density snow. At upper elevations on the N facing slope above treeline, the previously observed preserved graupel layer that was initially at the base of the new snow is now at the surface. Wind was blowing from the NW and depositing on SE facing slopes.