Facets on Fireplug

A variable wind crust sits on the surface on wind exposed NW-N-NE aspects in this area. In some places it is supportable, and in other places it is breakable. Below this crust a shallow snowpack consisting of consolidated snow on top of weaker sugary snow (facets) exists on these aspects. The facets seem to be less well developed in the area around the Fireplug than they are higher on Tamarack Peak; however, one Extended Column Test did still show that once this layer breaks the resulting fracture could travel through the weak layer. Other tests indicated the opposite. Not only did these facets show variability in these tests, but they also varied in size and in layer thickness across small areas. Ski cuts on test slopes and other observations did not reveal further signs of instability.

On the E-SE-S-SW aspects melt-freeze crusts comprise the snow surface where there is snow. Many of the SE-S-SW aspects in this area still have no appreciable snow on them.

On all aspects at all elevations rocks and other anchors still protrude through the shallow snowpack.