Black / White Queen

Is this a point observation or a summary of your day?

Point observation

Elevation above sea level

2,050m

Elevation band

• Treeline

Aspect

• NE

Snowpack depth

230cm

Did you observe whumpfing?

No

Did you observe cracking?

No

Foot penetration

70cm

Ski penetration

30cm

Snowpack test result

Moderate

Snowpack test fracture character

Sudden (`pop` or `drop`)

Snowpack test failure depth

95cm

Surface conditions

• New snow

Snowpack test failure layer crystal type

• Crust

Dug a pit just off the NE side of the ridge in a sparsely treed area:

230cm snow depth

30cm storm snow failed at 9 from the wrist

Whole column failed at 95cm depth, just below the rain crust (dec 7th?) after 5 from the elbow

Skier jumped on an extended column, saw moderate results on the persistent layers but nothing on that deeper rain crust

Overall the snow felt weak at this location, really spooky results so skied the first couple of runs in dense trees, on lower angle N facing slopes, just to get a feel for things. No weaknesses observed.

On the way home skied a S facing slope and a 3-5mm sun crust had formed. Variable conditions higher up with the skiing improving as we got down into the denser trees where the snow has been protected.

Lots of surface hoar around to watch out for after the next snowfall.