Observations from Frog Lake Ridge

Pic 1: SP2 profile taken on N aspect near CP South trailhead, in a small opening in the trees. Compression test showed sudden planar results on surface hoar at heights shown in this profile as 35 and 45cm, with an ECTP at 45cm. Surface hoar small and hard to locate without a compression test.

Pic 2: SP2 profile taken on a N aspect wind loaded feature about halfway to Frog Lake. Compression test showed sudden planar results on surface hoar at heights shown in this profile as 30 and 44cm. ECTN at 44cm. Surface hoar likely laying down prior to testing at this location.

Pic 3: SP2 profile taken on NE aspect at 8700ft in main Elephant's Back drainage to Red Vista Rd. The resistant-less layer shown here from 60 to 80cm was a 4F faceted layer beneath a distinct crust, with a PST 40/100 (SF) just below the crust. 2 layers of buried surface hoar were observable here as well, but appeared to be crushed and non-reactive. 

Pic 4: Graupel just below a thin rain crust widespread at the surface in this area, and observed to be slightly angular on terrain features open to the sky.

Pic 5: Recent natural avalanche adjacent to Frog Lake proper, likely yesterday with a cornice fall trigger. Debris showed characteristics of wet snow. Not big enough to call a D2, debris ran out of frame about 70m from cornice.

Very dense storm snow observed in this area, with ski pen limited to 10cm. Ski cuts of several test features failed to produce results, even when undercut prior to testing. Strong W winds were enough to move snow, with early stages of windloading observed by our departure at 1pm. Irregular wind loading patterns observed due to Strong winds.