The objective today was to see how the slab on the on the Dec 13 persistent weak layer and any overlying slab were developing and behaving as part of a Pro 1 course. We had a warm, sunny day out, with temperatures well above freezing.

These snowpack observations are from the meadow below Tri Chutes at 9215 ft elevation on a NNW-facing aspect. We found that the 13 Dec persistent weak layer is becoming more stubborn (vs reactive) where we tested and compared to the previous two days of observations within Snowbird's boundaries, but it is possible for a skier to trigger an avalanche with this strong over weak combination. The Tri Chutes themselves appear to have low coverage and some evidence of wind loading at their upper extents.

CT13 SP down 30 cm, ECTN13 down 30 cm

Surface: Facets (1 mm) and some surface hoar (1 mm)

100-90 cm: Graupel - F

90-70 cm: Decomposing & fragmented precipitation particles - 4F

70-51 cm: Facets - F (1213 PWL)

51-40 cm: Rounded grains - P

40-25 cm: Facets - 1F (3 Nov PWL)

25-5 cm: Facets - F (3 Nov PWL)

5-0 cm: Melt-freeze crust - P