Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center

Pit location selected in area with greatest suspicion of instability. NNW facing, moderate snowpack depth, mild wind affect. Hoped to demonstrate instability of persistent weak layers at the ground, and evaluate stability of recent storm events. Was able to identify a thin faceted layer (suspect near surface facets) below strong layers from recent storm events and wind transport. ECT without result during loading steps. Manipulation of column did allow for a clean fracture between two strong layers near surface of different density related to different storm events.

Level I: Sunday

Level 1 Class Pit: Boulder in Pit

JAN Level 1 class - Group A pit

Level 1 Class - Group A

Base depth variable, small shrub/tree and boulders in pit area. Facet's between the DEC 16 and DEC 21 rain crust appear to be rounding, most likely due to clear/calm/warmer conditions since the DEC 24/25 storm cycle