Surface hoar surprise
Observed Apr 14, 2023, 12:00 p.m. PDT · Northwest Coast
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Quick report
- Comment
- Today we went to Hankin on the hunt for buried weak layers below the recent storm snow - and we found them! We dug on northeast and northwest facing slopes in the alpine, and found a layer of surface hoar 30 cm deep below the new snow. This layer produced repeatable propagating Extended Column Test results (ECT P 17, ECT P 20) with moderate loads. The weak, feathery surface hoar crystals are not found everywhere, but it is worth investigating slopes for this layer as the result could be a significant slab avalanche, especially in wind-loaded terrain features and shady slopes. We didn't see any new avalanches. At treeline and below, there is a thick melt-freeze crust just below the surface. We haven't found the surface hoar in these areas and were able to find good skiing with 5 cm of creamy, moist snow over the crust. The day was warm and cloudy, with mostly calm condtions.
- Weather
- Warm, Cloudy, Sunny
- Ride type
- Mellow slopes, Alpine slopes, Sunny slopes, Open trees, Cut blocks
- Stayed away
- Convex slopes
- Riding quality
- Good
- Snow conditions
- Wet, Powder, Wind affected
- Avalanche conditions
- Avalanche condition temp