Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Our group's plan was to skin to the summit of Holiday Hill then ski down an eastern or southern aspect slope with an average angle of less than 35 degree due to the persistent slab risk.
We traveled to the base of the Northern slope because there was an open section with a slope angle below 30 deg according to CalTopo. When we reached the base of the slope the snow was very firm looked like poor snow for skiing.

We decided to continue traveling around the East facing Bowl. We had softer snow for the ascent and skied down on melted crust at 1230. We Skinned back up to the top of the bowl where we dug 2 snow pits for our Avalanche Level One course.

Both pits were dug on the lookers left of the East Bowl on the North aspect with slope angles of 30 deg. Both dug 2 distinct layers.

On our second descent at 1430 the snow became firm and crusty.

Pit #1
ECT / N / 19 20cm SP

Pit #2
CT 24, 60cm SP

Signs of Unstable Snow