Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Sometimes we don't get the opportunity to see cracks, whumps, or experience collapsing before breaking something lose we didn't want to. The BMG AIARE 1 & AIARE 2 courses surveyed multiple locations in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness district over the past days. Pit data in more than 10 pits BTL, NTL, and ATL on multiple aspects/elevations are delivering sudden collapses (SC) and propagation across columns in one loading step on about the 13th tap, regardless of who is doing the testing or which column test, which appears to be worsening over the past weeks. PSTs 35/110 on deeper packs and 30/100 with shallower spx with firm/hard supportive midpack doesn't seem to care and are breaking lose on the depth hoar. o Contributing is the settlement rate (107cm after the previous cycle, to now 70cm on 20230208), in combination with some colder temps, driving increased DH formation, even below rounding grains...where there is snow. No new avis, just a heads-up on the trends. {Friendly reminder to use BCA frequency D5.10 to let others know you're dropping or coming up}