Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

We skied independence couloir today. We dug many hand pits and one proper pit on the way up. We observed from both types of pits a poorly consolidated layer (we think from the last storm?) that ranged from a few cm thick to boot deep on top of a firm, sometimes breakable crust. The crust itself rested on top of sugary snow and showed no signs of instability.

We saw some cracking within the new snow but the cracks were very small, only about a foot long at the largest. No collapsing was observed. We turned around before the top of the line because both skinning and booting were very difficult due to the unconsolidated snow.

When we skied down, only sluggish sluff followed. Below the bottom of the couloir, 8000' or so, the snow was heavily sun affected, sloppy, and difficult to ski mid-afternoon.

Signs of Unstable Snow