Green Butte Ridge Near Treeline

On a tour from Bunny Flat up to treeline on Green Butte Ridge:

• Observation Location: Near treeline on Green Butte Ridge
• Elevation: 7,500 ft
• Date: 20210103
• Time: 1400
• Observer: Aaron Beverly
• Sky Conditions: Obscured (X)
• Current Precipitation: Type - RS, Rate - S-1
• Air Temperature: 29 °F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 2 in (5 cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 33 in (85 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 2 in (5 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): 0.09 in
• Wind Direction: W
• Wind Speed: Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion
• Column & Block Tests:
  • CT15, CT 21 SP
  • ECTP15, ECTP25

The incoming storm had just begun. There was about 2-3 inches of new snow with a nasty, breakable rain crust on top all the way to treeline. Only those with the most positive attitude would have enjoyed skiing it.

Old, rotten, faceted snow still lingers in the bottom few inches of the snowpack. Facets are becoming more rounded. We are still able to get CT and ECTP failures within this area, but there are no screaming signs that this weakness is a problem.