Eddy Mtns - Storm Slab

Today we embarked on a mission into the Eddy mountains to observe storm conditions and assess for instabilities within the new snow. Our suspicions were confirmed with a storm slab releasing a foot deep from the weight of a single rider on a convex roll-over. Test slopes displayed shooting cracks and blocking underfoot. Over a foot of new, dry snow resting atop a thin crust from the previous storm's interface was encountered. The dry snow was easy to move and sluff off steep terrain. No major sign of wind loading below treeline was observed, though winds blew small amounts of snow around. Near treeline consistent moderate to strong southwest and westerly winds were ripping over ridge tops and through exposed areas, loading snow onto leeward slopes. Snowfall rates of one inch per hour persisted through the majority of the outing. No other signs of avalanche activity or snowpack instability were observed. 

• Observation Location: Mount Eddy range 
• Elevation: 6,600 feet
• Date: 2032.02.27
• Time: 0100
• Observer: E.Falconer 
• Sky Conditions: Overcast (OVC) | Obscured (X)]
• Current Precipitation: Type - SN  Rate -  S2 
• Air Temperature: 21 °F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 10 in (25 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 40 in (100 cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 140in (355 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 10 in (25 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): 0
• Wind Direction: SW | W 
• Wind Speed: Moderate (M), 17-25 mi/hr, small trees sway | Strong (S), 26-38 mi/hr, whole trees in motion 
• Column & Block Tests: