Observation: Ant Knolls

Poor Snowpack Structure

This area is definitely in our thinner snowpack category with only 2 to 3 feet of snow in the upper elevations. There is a medium strength slab over quite weak snow from earlier in the season. Aside from along the ridges where the snowpack is deep and strong from the recent new wind loads, I was easily able to push my ski pole basket through the entire snowpack feeling less resistance as I inserted it through the upper slab. This was enough information for me and I didn't do any shear or propagation tests. These thinner snowpack areas need to continue to be monitored as we add more snow. A rapid load coupled with wind would be enough for concern on the steeper lee slopes. Perhaps not enough new weight with the expected storm for widespread activity on Monday.