Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Spent the last 3 days (4/7-4/9) camped up in the North Lake zone. In general, found stable refrozen snow/corn on S aspects up to ~ 12k - above that S aspects not totally transformed to consolidated spring snowpack but getting there. On all other aspects, snowpack is transitional expect for cold snow on Northerlies above ~ 11.5k (likely higher after today?). Multiple hasty pits dug on all aspects from 9-11k, and widespread PWL found as a thin facet layer on top of a thick ice crust about 40cm down on all aspects except S (ice layer present on S about same depth but well bonded to it). Was not able to get propagation in any ECTs, but did get extremely clean shears every time when prying off with shovel, and did get a few CTH results on column tests, all on the same layer. While results didn't suggest reactivity, and no cracking/whumpfing was observed, structure was very concerning and kept us off anything steep non southerly. It seems like a structure that is healing with heat and time but also still present enough to cause isolated issues or maybe could produce wet slabs on top of that ice layer with some more warming?

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow