23-24

From obs: "Several small whoomphs were observed in the shallower, bushy snow at lower elevations, and we had a massive (~100-foot propagation) whoomph on the ridge proper where the cornice met the ridge. Accompanying those whoomphs, we observed shooting cracks at multiple low-angle locations." Photo: J. Krause

We (a group of 4) skinned up Lionhead Ridge from the ID/MT border and found troubling conditions. Several small whoomphs were observed in the shallower, bushy snow at lower elevations, and we had a massive (~100-foot propagation) whoomph on the ridge proper where the cornice met the ridge. Accompanying those whoomphs, we observed shooting cracks at multiple low-angle locations. We performed 3 separate pits, the shallowest of which was 48cm @8113' and had an ECTP10. The next two pits were 65cm deep and the SnowPilots are attached. Every single pit had sizeable (~3mm) basal faceting and a pencil-hard ice layer sandwiched with more facets above in the lower snowpack. While cutting a PST, the entire column propagated (Q1) above the ice layer at 25cm from the ground. Be careful out there, the snowpack is super touchy. 

From IG on 12/10: "2 slides we triggered remotely in tepee yesterday"

We (a group of 4) skinned up Lionhead Ridge from the ID/MT border and found troubling conditions. Several small whoomphs were observed in the shallower, bushy snow at lower elevations, and we had a massive (~100-foot propagation) whoomph on the ridge proper where the cornice met the ridge. Accompanying those whoomphs, we observed shooting cracks at multiple low-angle locations. We performed 3 separate pits, the shallowest of which was 48cm @8113' and had an ECTP10. The next two pits were 65cm deep and the SnowPilots are attached. Every single pit had sizeable (~3mm) basal faceting and a pencil-hard ice layer sandwiched with more facets above in the lower snowpack. Be careful out there, the snowpack is super touchy.

From obs: "Felt wumphs every few steps and had around 30 foot shooting cracks in meadows and on ridgelines."

Starting around 7500’ on E,S,W aspects we found extensive cracking and wumphing on faceting at the ground layer. Felt wumphs every few steps and had around 30 foot shooting cracks in meadows and on ridgelines. Total snow depth was never more than 45cm 

From obs: "Windier then I expected today at me d elevations adjacent to Bridger ... Photos show lots of wind transport during the day. Felt a few collapses while skinning."

From obs: "Windier then I expected today at me d elevations adjacent to Bridger ... Photos show lots of wind transport during the day. Felt a few collapses while skinning."

I snowshoed from the road to Garto Falls to the open meadow below the east face of Elephant. The snow depth varied significantly along the way, ranging from 2 inches to 18 inches at different points. Definitely some unstable spots where I broke through a crust that was about 3-6 inches above the ground, also some weird sinking in the newer snow from the past few days. Around 8,000 feet, the wind intensified, causing heavy drifting snow. This could be seen on every peak in the area.