Sluffs on Tamarack Peak

Snowpit tests, handpits, and general observations all indicated that the recent storm snow continues to bond to the snow below it, and that fractures are unlikely to propagate through the snowpack. On sheltered below treeline and near treeline slopes, we recorded several ECTN test results. On more exposed wind loaded test slopes in near and above treeline terrain, tests showed consolidation and good bonding between the wind slabs and the snow below them as well. ECT's performed at the crown of a previous natural wind slab avalanche also indicated that the weakness that avalanche failed on was no longer active. Ski cuts and cornices dropped onto wind loaded slopes triggered minor sluffing in the snow that fell in the last 24 hours and small cracks, none of which measured more than 1-2 ft from the end of our skis. 

Photo 1: Skier triggered loose dry sluff on a steep test slope at 9100 ft on a N aspect. 

Photo 2: Minor skier triggered cracks in a N facing wind loaded test slope at 9200 ft. Similar cracking occurred on small wind loaded slopes near the top of the Proletariat at 9720 ft.