Tahoe National Forest Sierra Avalanche Center

Pit dug January 16 in far climbers left crown of persistent slab natural avalanche that occurred on January 11. Near treeline terrain.

2m ECTN 6 @ 150cm 2m ECTN 21 @ 126cm

Pit dug in near treeline terrain. Snowpit results caused us to back off the slope due to inability to manage the terrain.

Pit dug in protected near treeline terrain to examine faceted snow. Snowpack tests were mostly consistent at this location and another test site at lower elevation showing unstable results on faceted snow layer. No informal signs of unstable snow in this area.

Pit dug in below treeline terrain at site of natural snow surface cracking. Widespread skier triggered collapsing and cracking in the general area. Cracking went well down into the facet layer.

Pit dug just off ridge in moderately wind loaded terrain. This area had been previously wind scoured by NE winds and did not have well developed facets.

Pit dug in near treeline terrain. Loose wet activity on similar slopes.