Tam Rim Mid Storm Snowpack Obs

Submitted by Public on Wed, 01/18/2012 - 9:47pm
Location Name: 
Tam Rim
Region: 
Three Sisters Area
Position: 
Public
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/18/2012 - 1:00pm
Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

It should be no news to skiers that this massive dump which has been associated with high winds and raising temps has created a very dangerous snowpack.  I just wanted to share some obs from yesterday and today (Wednesday).  Naturals and ski cuts released D2/3 - R3/4 slabs very easily.  The snowpack initially wants to slide in the midstorm layers 20-30 deep and then likes to step down to the prestorm crust ~100cm down (getting deeper by the minute).  The prestorm crust is variable and ranges from bulletproof ice to thin melt/freeze crusts over near crust facets.  Snowpit tests show the obvious instabilities.  Either way, this storm started very cold, laying down low density snow and gets progressivley more dense and top heavy due to wind and higher temps.  If you do venture out into this mess, at least the dense upper pack keeps you afloat and has made the low angle tree skiing a bit more enjoyable (wide skis recommended : )  Jonas.