- no obvious red flag signs of collapsing or recent avalanches. Did get some cracking in the storm snow during high PI rates in the early afternoon.
- Q3 shears at interface of Thanksgiving eve snow and storm snow. I had found some faceted snow at the snow surface on Friday, but likely winds and warm temps Friday and Saturday eroded this layer.
- biggest concern going forward is the heavy snowfall predicted for Monday. This will be falling on weak storm snow, and there is a layer of faceted snow at the ground on upper elevation northerly aspects. Test results showed this layer reactive to the slab above.
Video below is extended column test on NE aspect at 10000' in upper LCC. HS was 75 cms (30") with a 5 cm (2") layer of facets at the ground. Results: ECTP 15 Q1
Whereas I never hang my hat on any one pit, I certainly paid attention to this one. This test showed me that on some upper elevation northerly aspects the faceted layer at the ground is a concern, and that it may be reactive to the rapid increase in loading expected over the next 24-48 hours.
Video
From what I observed, hazard was Moderate up to about 10000' today. Probably bump that to Considerable above 10K where there was more snow and wind loading. (But I just didn't get up that high to confirm that suspicion.) Am currently thinking High for Monday given forecast for heavy snow. Concerns will be storm snow and wind drifts. On upper elevation North aspects slides could break down to the faceted layer at the ground created large, dangerous avalanches.
