Emerald slide path

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Emerald slide path

Information

Is this a point observation or a summary of your day?
Point observation
Elevation above sea level
1,900m
Elevation band
  • Treeline
Aspect
  • SE
Snowpack depth
180cm
Did you observe whumpfing?
Yes
Did you observe cracking?
Yes
Foot penetration
50cm
Ski penetration
15cm
Snowpack test result
Easy
Snowpack test fracture character
Sudden (`pop` or `drop`)
Snowpack test failure depth
65cm
Surface conditions
  • New snow
Snowpack test failure layer crystal type
  • Surface hoar

Comments

We experienced extensive whumpfing from 1800m up to 2000m when setting our own track. Below that we were in thick forest on an old track and did not have whumpfs but the previous group might have already experienced them. From 1800m up we got a new whumpf every 5 m. We skied slopes below 32deg with no immediate overhead. We dug two pits in a sheltered area at 2000m and the snow failed 65cms down on the January 17 surface hoar layer on CTM 12 with a sudden pop and drop. The storm snow to old snow interface also failed with sudden planar characteristic down 45 usually 1 or two hits after the surface hoar layer.