Detailed Observation

Date2020-12-19
LocationValdez
ObserverGareth Brown
AvalancheN

General Observations

12/19- Cracked Ice up to 3000’/NW-N aspects/ 6° F at the car rising to 14° F at the end of tour/ overcast with snow becoming moderate later in the day/ Calm .

Collapsing: No

Shooting cracks: No

Avalanches: No

Found 8-10 inches of low density new snow from the last 48 hours. Hand shear tests on the way up produced moderate to hard results down 70 cms, breaking at the 12/1 rain crust.  12/1 rain crust was breaking down and showed signs of rounding.  Snowpack was right side up above 12/1 crust. Dug a pit a 2500’/ NW aspect/ 30° slope/HS 155cms.   Pit results produced ECTN5/Q3 down 20 cms with no other results.  Couldn’t identify buried surface hoar at this location.  Skied and traveled on slopes up to 35° with no signs of instability.

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Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity