Rattlesnake Mountains New Years Eve Snow Stability

New Years Eve Rutschblock snow stability test in the Rattlesnake Wilderness east of Snowbowl Ski Area. This is a 30 degree East-NE aspect at mid-slope in a sheltered area. RB scores 5 but a Quality 1 shear as it fails with energy and cleanly on the facets that formed in early December. This test is fairly representative of what we're seeing on other aspects above 7000 feet in most advisory area locations. Snowpack is gaining strength over time but a heavy load or quick shock produces failures that proagate over distance at the interface of the depth hoar and an ice crust at 50cm from the gound. It's easy to find in any snow pit dug to the ground. A finger hard windslab is above this weak layer and in many areas supports a skiers weight.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Rutschblock stability test
• avalanche