Tahoe National Forest Sierra Avalanche Center

Pit dug in open area below treeline with wind protection to assess progression of upper snowpack faceting.

Pit dug in near treeline terrain to observe upper snowpack layers

Testpit dug in sparsly treed, effectively near treeline terrain despite the relatively low elevation. Minimal prior wind loading at pit location.

Pit dug in near treeline terrain.

No other signs of instability in the area. Lots of snowmobile and ski tracks on similar slopes. The slab above the weak layers is very strong.

160 to 170 cm of recent storm snow in this area.

Test pit dug adjacent to full profile pit from Dec 2.

Snowpit dug in near treeline terrain.