Storm snow observations
Submitted by nmeyers on Wed, 01/24/2018 - 12:41pm
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Location Name:
Giddy GiddyRegion:
Mt. ShastaDate and time of observation:
9:00pmObservation made by:
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Location Name:
Near top of skiers gullyRegion:
Mt. ShastaDate and time of observation:
7:15pmObservation made by:
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Below treeline Surface hoar was seen, and in areas it seemed graupel was mixed among the crystals. After climbing above aprox 7500 feet the surface hoar was no longer seen. Winds were coming from N NW by 10am with visible wind transport occuring on the ridgelines such as Casaval Ridge. Snow could be seen blowing into Gidy Gidy Gulch, and the upper parts of Avalanche Gulch. Scouring had clearly occured in the gulch as near the crest of nearly all moraines were sheets of Ice, and strarugi.
Snowpit
The most recent layer of snow that has settled seems to be consolidating, but has a weak layer that wasn't seen until completing shovel sheer and compression tests. Aprox 38cm down it seems to have a layer of facets that is less than 1cm thick. (STE at 38cm Q2, ECTN29 at 63cm Q3, and CT30 at 61cm Q3) A large temperature gradient was found in the top 40cm of snow depth.
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Location Name:
Avalanche GulchRegion:
Mt. ShastaDate and time of observation:
7:00pmObservation made by:
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The height of new snow ranged from 15-20 cm (6-8 in) from Bunny Flat to Lake Helen. The snow was cold and dry. For the most part, the new snow was distributed evenly throughout the terrain and was not heavily wind affected. Above 9,000 ft, exposed ridgelines were scoured down to a slick and icy old snow surface. On S-SE-E slopes and in the lee side of gullies, drifts of snow up to 60 cm (3 ft) deep were observed. No recent avalanche activity occurred in Avalanche Gulch, however, wind slabs have formed above 9,000 ft in on S-SE-E-NE aspects. Ski penetration ranged from 10-30 cm (4- 12 in) while boot penetration ranged from 30-60cm (1-3 ft). The skiing was very good above treeline and near treeline. Rocks and shallow snowpack hazards still exist below treeline.
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Old ski bowl new snow scout
Submitted by nmeyers on Thu, 01/18/2018 - 12:52pm
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Storm totals of 10-15cm (4-6in) were confirmed during a tour to lower Giddy Giddy Gulch. The new snow had settled 3-5cm (1-2in) by early afternoon today. No recent avalanches were observed nor were any obvious signs of instability. Wind slabs were hard to find near and above treeline. Above 8000ft, wind textured snow surfaces were widespread. Above treeline, minor wind loading was visible in terrain above 10,000ft. Exposed terrain features were scoured down to a slick icy old snow surface. By early afternoon, a zipper sun crust was already staring to form on the snow surface on steep, open south facing slopes.
Overall, snowpack stability was good in the terrain observed. Compression tests produced no fractures. A density break exists within the 1/19 storm snow – it can be found about 15-20cm down from the snow surface in most locations. For the time being, not enough of a cohesive slab sits on top of this layer to cause concern.