Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Key Points

Tour in the Mammoth area to visit a snow profile site used before the last two storms and assess the sensitivity of the Persistent Slab problem in areas with deeper snow.

• HS = 150cm and the 1201 weak layer was buried approx. 1m deep.
• The last storm finished with strong winds and scattered snow showers creating a strong supportable surface covered with ~ 5cm of soft snow making for efficient travel on skis.
• It would be hard to affect the persistent slab with skis in this area unless you found a shallow spot.
• 5mm Surface Hoar was widespread on the snow surface in N facing open forests.