Sugar All the Way Down

Toured out from Carson Pass on XC skis to Winnemucca Lake at about 10:00 AM. Moving through the terrain, I was surprised that most of the snow surface lacked a wind or sun crust. I stopped in an open, wooded area at about 8600 ft and dug a quick hand pit. I noticed immediately that the snow had a sugary texture and was unconsolidated through the whole depth of the snow pack. The same snow texture was observed even in sun exposed areas and was widespread in near and below treeline terrain. At about 8800 ft, I started to noticed pockets of wind deposited snow, with windboard becoming more widespread above 9000 feet on open west facing slopes. Wind slabs were only mildly reactive when jumping up and down. At Winnemucca Lake, Round Top was very bony and the east-facing shoulder off Round Top looked to be severely wind eroded. On the tour back, some minor melt of the top of the snowpack had started.

The widespread development of depth hoar is concerning, but unsurprising given the thin snowpack and the recent weather pattern being cold, clear, and dry. Based on what was observed today, it's possible that this persistent weak layer is present through most of the snowpack in snow-covered areas below and near treeline that has been protected from wind scour. This will require careful consideration when the next storm arrives.