Observations on Tamarack Peak

Skier triggered shooting cracks up to 8 ft. in length occurred on some near and above treeline, N-NE-E facing, wind-loaded test slopes in the Tamarack Peak area. Tests on these wind slabs yielded unstable results and indicated that the failure layer was a layer of softer snow below the wind slabs. These slabs were 8 to 12 inches in thickness and on the test slopes they did not extend very far down slope. The wind slabs seemed to have formed in some of the usual places and in some less normal areas. No tests or ski cuts were performed on the larger, steeper, wind-loaded slopes on the far east ridge of Tamarack, but larger cornices and active wind loading indicated that larger wind slabs existed on these slopes.

Snowpit data from the Hourglass showed less wind slab presence and indicated that the facets near the bottom of the snowpack continue to strengthen. Data showed they are even less continuous and more difficult to find than they were about a week ago.

Photo: Shooting crack on a NNE facing wind loaded test slope. This slope was only about 33 degrees in steepness and would not slide after it cracked until it was undercut.

Snowpit: Pit data from near the top of the Hourglass.