Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Went out to Heavens to take a look at the upper portion. Observed some wind textured snow on the due N facing ridge. Travel was difficult in unsupportable snow, and ski penetration was about boot high in areas with no tracks. New snow deposition was minimal. A pit dug near the top showed a thoroughly faceted snowpack, but one with distinct layering. During compression tests, a failure occurred at CT 21 at 75 cm in a 95 snowpack. This layer broke apart and did not come off as a slab. There is a knife hard crust at the very base of the snowpack, and this layer has been observed on other NW-N slopes in Santa Fe. Two distinct layers are visible near the top of the pack. Facets in the pack are growing in size, and some approached 10mm. Skiing above 11k is good quality at this time, but at lower elevations remains quite thin.