Surface Hoar on and under the Snow Surface on Tamarack

Large feathery surface hoar crystals existed on most open slopes on Tamarack Peak today. In addition to the surface hoar on the top of the snowpack, we found a widespread layer of buried surface hoar 10 to 15 cm below the surface. Currently, the neither of these layers pose a problem since no slab layer exists on top of either of them, but they certainly bear watching as they could provide great weak layers if more snow accumulates on top of them. Other than the potential problem represented by the surface hoar layers we did not find any signs of instability. Snowpit data and numerous hand pits showed a well bonded albeit shallow snowpack. We still chose to ski with caution due to the numerous obstacles that are still lurking on and below the surface.

Photo 1 and 2: Large widespread surface hoar existed in open areas on Tamarack Peak.

Photo 3: Early season conditions still exist especially at the lower elevations.