Buried Surface Hoar layers near Two Top

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 

 None Observed 

Cracking? 

 None Experienced 

Collapsing? 

 None Experienced 

We observed a strong cohesive snowpack on a wind loaded slope NE of Two Top. But we noticed three separate buried SH layers. First 5cm from surface second @ 25cm third @55cm. These buried SH layers tend to be touchy. They are concerning in that the deeper layers rest above and below densely packed wind blown slab.

Three separate layers of Buried SH within the top 100cm of the snow pack. The top layer @5cm from the surface is not worrisome at this time but with added snow in the future it has potential to become a problem layer. The second and third layer @25cm,@55cm,from surface could be human triggered, with the potential of a deadly slab avalanche.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Partly Cloudy 

Temperature:

17° 

Wind:

Light , SW 

New/Recent Snowfall:

No resent snow 

Upper elevations mostly sunny the past 2 days.Lower elevations experienced AM fog Light winds. We noticed ridge top blowing snow.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Partly Cloudy 

Temperature:

17° 

Wind:

Light , SW 

New/Recent Snowfall:

 

Avalanche Observations

Avalanche Observation Comments:

Observed several natural avalanches on NE ridge at Two Top below cornice in steep wind loaded terrain

Snowpack Observations

NNE aspect 8186ft, 44.62319,-111.24732, HS230,PWL buried SH@ 5cm,25cm,55cm from surface. First test, CTMsc@55 second test CTMsc@25. ECTN27@25 

Layer Depth/Date: Jan.22,2023  
Weak Layer(s):  Jan 5, 2023 (SH) 
Comments: Buried SH 5,25, 55, CTMsc@55, CTMsc@25 ECTN 27@ 25

Buried layers of SH. These layer's seem to be very widespread throughout the region. They are worrisome in that they could be human triggerd with deadly potential.

Terrain Use

Our travel Plan to avoid any terrain greater than 30°. There are many options in this area to have a challenging ride without exposing the group to avalanche hazard.