Variable and Weak Surface Snow Around Grouse Rocks

Today we explored various aspects and elevations, gathering more information ahead of tomorrow's storm. Widespread weak snow (facets) and variable surface conditions existed at all elevations. The weakest snow existed in near and below treeline areas open to the sky and sheltered from the winds. The soft, weak snow also extended into more exposed areas. Along the ridgeline, we found a mix of thin wind crusts on top of facets. In other areas, we saw more weak, soft snow in places that looked like they had been previously wind-affected. All our data indicates that the current snow is too weak to support the new snow expected to accumulate in the next few days.

We moved out onto other sunnier aspects (E-SE and W-facing slopes). Many of these places had melt-freeze crusts on the surface. When we looked below the crust, we also found a layer of soft, weak snow. Some of the more S-facing slopes have melted back to bare ground.  

Overall, we found variable snow conditions with weak snow around this area. In addition to the weak snow, there are still plenty of rocks and other obstacles in the snowpack.