Observation 1/3/2026 local_see
Wind Slabs Mt Colden
Colden
Observation Details
Concerning snowpack structure of 30-60cm of F-4F windblown snow atop thin facets that have formed on our late December ice crust. Total snowpack depth of 142cm in the most windblown sections of the slide. Cornices were forming within the line and snow and wind were overperforming the forecast. As also noted by the Angel Slides group, pit tests were inconclusive due to the difficulty of cutting thru the ice crust. The slab slid easily and cleanly on that facet layer when pulled with a shovel. In addition, we climbed a couple feet above our pit and witnessed clean shear and easy propagation of small, 10-15cm slabs as we climbed.
We did not ski the slide. We also hypothesized that the new slide next door is providing a new fetch to blow in this line even more.
Observation Photos
Snowpit profile open_in_new full size
F-4F windslab over facets, crust, and then a similar structure below from before the ice event