Inconsistent Snow Cover on Fireplug

Storm totals in the Mt. Rose backcountry as of this afternoon amounted to ~ 8-10 inches. This new snow fell on bare ground on most aspects; however, previous snow cover did exist on some of the northerly aspects prior to this series of storms. This previous snow cover consisted of layers of weak sugary snow sandwiched between old crusts. In areas where the new snow existed on top of the old weak snowpack, snowpit tests indicated that the snowpack remains weak. General observations also indicated that many rocks, stumps, logs, and other anchors exist just below the snow surface and disrupt the older weak layers in this particular area.

Even though the snow surface looked smooth in some areas, a myriad of barely covered obstacles still exist. The new snow has hidden them from view making them even easier to hit.

Photos 1 and 2: Looking at the starting zone for a path on the Fireplug. Lots of rocks still visible

Photo 3: Looking toward the bottom of the same path. While it looks more covered rocks, stumps, and other obstacles likely exist very near to the snow surface (see photo 4).

Photo 4: A shallow snowpack that looks smooth, but has a rock just under the surface. This barely covered rock was typical in this area today.