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Full Profile: Backside Coyote 1-17-17

Location Name: 
Coyote Backside
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/17/2017 - 6:05pm
Observation made by: 
Public
Red Flags:
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap

Location Map

United States
41° 20' 4.3044" N, 122° 11' 39.1992" W
US

Snowpack Observations

Details

 Objective: Full Profile, check for strength of "12-23" weak layer, Stability testing. ECT was conducted - ECTX result but "12-23" failed Q1 with moderate shovel shear pressure after test. Overall rounding is dominant metamorphic process in snowpack. "12-23" layer is observable but has rounded and strengthened since previous obs. While snowpack is still relatively complex with lots of "upside down" sequences, recent warmer temps have moved us closer to a more classic maritime-like stratigraphy.

The snowpack will likely adjust well to the load presented by the forecasted storm, at least at this elevation. Near surface instabilities (storm and wind slabs) will be a concern during and post-storm but deeper instabilities will likely be very stubborn to trigger, especially with skier pressure.

Snow Pit Photos

Weather Observations

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Speed: 
Light
Wind Direction: 
South