Observation Date: 01/01/2012

Route/Location:
near Alpine Yurt

Weather:
calm, mostly clear, light clouds, warmer temp

Wind:
evidence of widespread wind loadingThe addition of weight on top of a snowpack, usually from precipitation, wind drifting, or a person.The added weight of wind drifted snow. from previous system

New Snow: 12+”

Avalanche Activity:
Dec surface hoarFeathery crystals that form on the snow surface during clear and calm conditions - essentially frozen dewFeathery crystals that form on the snow surface during clear and calm conditions - essentially frozen dew. Forms a persistent weak layerA snowpack layer with less strength than adjacent layers. Often the layer in the snowpack where an avalanche fractures. once buried.. Forms a persistent weak layerA snowpack layer with less strength than adjacent layers. Often the layer in the snowpack where an avalanche fractures. once buried. is now buried 24-26 inches down (deeper in some spots), with a 14in slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. of finger hardness on top. 12 plus inches of new snow at pit site. Depending on location anywhere from 12-20in came in with the last storm. Exact new snow totals are hard to place due to high winds.

eastern 32 degreee slope,
shovel shear very easily, failing at hoar layer with decent quality and energy.
CT 12, Q2, failing at hoar

Other Comments:
Wind played a bigger factor in this last storm and new snow totals are very area specific. The now slabby layer of snow sitting on top of some fragile hoar has been significantly loaded by the wind and new snow and is vulnerable to a triggerA disturbance that initiates fracture within the weak layer causing an avalanche . In 90 percent of avalanche accidents , the victim or someone in the victims party triggers the avalanche .A disturbance that initiates fracture within the weak layer causing an avalanche . In 90 percent of avalanche accidents , the victim or someone in the victims party triggers the avalanche .

Observer: Carl Sievers