Observation: Gold Hill

Poor Snowpack Structure

Not an issue at present as the snowpack stability is good with no present loading and a well adjusted weak layer. The snowpack strength is high, propagation propensity is low but structure is still poor. The layer of concern that I observed today is a layer of 2mm facets at about 50cms from the ground (HS=110cms). Snow profile at 10300ft northwest facing. Stability tests results- STM, CT22 SC, ECTN 25. The fracture character in the CT was a sudden collapse but also a nice planar shear. The 1F hard slab sitting below the F-4F facet layer has the potential to be a really good bed surface. Similar snowpack to what I have observed around Park City ridgeline. Anyway, bottom line...this layer is mostly dormant at the moment (although I would not be skiing any complex terrain knowing what lies beneath), but will be a major problem whenever we get a significant load.