Gray Butte - Propagating Cracks and Wind Slabs

Observations on tour of Gray Butte:

• Small wind slabs and cornices reactive to ski trigger, slabs 6 - 18 inches.
• Shooting cracks and blocking.
• No natural avalanches seen near or above treeline.
• Temperature gradient conducive to faceting, but no signs of faceting down to February 2nd rain crust.
• Moderate to strong westerly winds transporting snow.
• Northwest aspects becoming scoured.
• Above treeline snow surfaces becoming wind affected.
• Height of snow (HS): 330 cm (130 in).
• Ski penetration (PS) / boot penetration (PB): 6 inches / 24 inches.
• Column test results:
  • ECTN12 ↓ 27 cm, ECTN ↓ 26 cm, CT11 ↓ 27 cm BKN, CT 18 ↓36 cm BKN, STMx2 ↓ 90 cm @ 2/2/19 rain crust