New Crust And New Snow

After reading the forecast and the previous day's observations, I wanted to assess the snowpack for a potential new crust layer and how it was interacting with the new snow. I chose to ascend Gray Butte, where I could look at multiple aspects for the distribution of the crust. Lots of snow was encountered on the road up to Mount Shasta Ski Park. While heading up the lifts, it was snowing even harder. At one point, it was snowing at least an inch an hour (S2).

Up on Gray Butte, the crust became prevalent on all aspects. Skinning conditions became a little challenging with the new snow easily sliding on the very firm crust. Cornices had grown on the northerly aspects.

A pit was dug to further look at the new crust. The crust appears to be anywhere from 1 cm to 3 cm thick. Variance in thickness is probably due to the aspect and amount of warming that had occurred. About 12 inches of new snow was found on top of the crust. An ECT was performed, where full propagation occurred on tap 14 just below the new crust. 

While skiing down, I pushed multiple small point-release wet loose avalanches on steeper slopes. Though these were harmless, they could travel far and entrain lots of snow below.

On the way out, the snow became more saturated, and it appeared to be raining in the parking lot. 

• Observation Location: Northwest aspect Gray Butte, just below the ridge
• Elevation: 7800 feet
• Date: 20230113
• Time: 1400
• Observer: S. Clairmont
• Sky Conditions: Obscured (X)
• Current Precipitation: Type - SN, Rate - S2
• Air Temperature:  28 °F
• Surface Penetration: Boot penetration (PF) = 48 in (122 cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 295 cm
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 9 in (22 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): 1.7 in (4.3 cm)
• Wind Direction: SE
• Wind Speed: Moderate (M), 17-25 mi/hr, small trees sway
• Column & Block Tests:
  • Slope Angle & Aspect: 38º, NW
  • ECTP14 ↓ 14 in (35 cm)