Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Went out to Raven’s Ridge today to try to find some wind protected skiing. The snow in the trees had been recently wind stiffened. This last storm cycle deposited less snow in Santa Fe and Taos, and it looks like continued wind transport has further reduced the amount of freshly fallen snow on the ground in the north and north north east facing trees. There was an approximately 3 inch wind slab that was Stiffer than the facets that it sat on. In pits, it was still fist to fist plus density, but it was supportive enough that ski penetration in stiffened areas was not even to the top of the boot.

Two pits showed our well known drought layers below new snow.

Pit results:
Ct3 x 2 at ~3 inches at the wind slab x near surface facet interface.
Ct13 at ground in pit 1
Ct 13 at old snow interface in pit 2
Ct21 at ground in pit 2

Nambe received a ton of wind during this last storm, but no new crowns or debris that we could see.