Snowpit from Andesite Peak

Our group performed a Snowpit Test, Compression Test and Deep Tap Test at Andesite Peak as a part of the Tahoe Mountain School AIARE 1 course. 

Snowpit: We dug three separate pits on a SE slope at 7800ft.  The snowpit test revealed the December 11th persistent weak layer at about 95cm below the surface (40cm thick).  There were two 1cm crust layers present at 30cm and 90cm.  The top 20cm was composed of light, faceted snow. 

CT: Test #1 = CTN ; Test #2 = CT23 (break @ 16cm9, not significant) ; Test #3 = CTN

DT: Test #1 = DTN ; Test #2 = DTN ; Test #3 = DT7 (break @ PWL, not significant)

Other Observations:  We noticed some surface hoar forming along the side of the skin track at about 7,100 ft. At the summit, we observed moderate winds (SW), active wind loading, and wind slabs on NE/E aspects.