March 16: Tatoosh Video

On a N NE facing aspect at about 5800 feet: compression test failed at 5 inches with one light tap, failed at 24 inches with two more moderate 'slaps'.  First failure yielded loose slab, second failure was a much more consolidated slab.  Snowpack below 24 inches was stable/bomber.  Snowpit yielded a still wet, even slushy layer below last week's new snow.  In general the new snow was just like NWAC reported.  Heavy density over light density.  In my wind loaded location the two distinct slab layers of differing density were both sitting on wind-blown sugar snow deposits and slid very easily.  The Routchblock test: the top 5 inches again failed upon immediate contact with my stepping onto the isolated column.  Slab failure at 24 inches on first hop. 

My party bailed on the higher up terrain due to poor snowpit results and fracturing that occurred on the slope in question.  Lower elevations from 5600 to 4600 had denser safer snow throughout the top 24-30 inches of new snow.

Conclusion: N, NE, and some E aspects where significant wind loading has occurred may have locally much higher avalanche danger than areas immediately adjacent to them.  Dig your pits!!!

Video to follow shortly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR9ODpXt_Yo