Observations from Pole Creek

Our AIARE2 class toured up the Pole Creek road to about 7300' today to observe the snowpack in the Silver Peak area. While skinning up, we observed widespread 2-4mm surface hoar in open, protected areas. Touring through and near the meadow at about 7100', we observed two separate whumpfs. We could see occasional light blowing snow off the summit of Silver Peak.

We dug several separate pits near one another at the pin location, on N and NE aspects around 7200'. Snow depth in this area was about 60-80cm. While some test results were mixed (some ECTN and PST Slab Fracture results), we observed several CT Sudden Planar, ECTP, and PST End results indicating potential for fracture intiation and propagation, all on the 12/11 facet layer.

Skies were clear except for a few thin clouds that formed in the afternoon, and winds were calm in the trees with an occasional light to moderate gust in more open areas.