Wind Slabs on Gray Butte

My quest for the day was to investigate the sensitivity of wind slabs near treeline and survey snow conditions. I intentionally discovered that wind drifts were reactive to my weight on a northwest aspect at mid-slope and broke along the convexity. I found these slabs ranged in depth from 5 inches - 1 foot, dependent on location. A common characteristic was the pillow-like shape and textured snow surfaces in these locations, which helped to identify the problem. Below the slabs and old snow, a firm bed surface exists on east, south, and west aspects. Solar impacts caused a large rock face to release its hanging pockets of snow which fell to the ground causing roller balls. By mid-day the sun had moistened southerly slopes to a mushy consistency. Cornices displayed signs of settlement in large cracks along the windward side of a northeast ridgeline. Snow conditions are still variable around exposed areas near treeline, with good coverage and uniform conditions below treeline. The wind near treeline was calm with light gusts.     

• Observation Location: Gray Butte
• Elevation: 7,800 feet 
• Date: 2023.02.12
• Time: 1200
• Observer: E. Falconer
• Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR)
• Current Precipitation: Type - NO
• Air Temperature: 41 °F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 3 in (5 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 10 in (25 cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): - NO
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): - NO
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): - NO
• Wind Direction: E-SE
• Wind Speed: Calm (C), 0 mi/hr | Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion