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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 4, 2023
Submitted:
March 4, 2023
Zone or Region:
Bishop Creek
Activity:
Other
Location:
Bishop Creek, Targeted snowpack observations. 300 degrees NW aspect, 8200’

Observations

Performed several compressions tests on an avalanche course today above Forks Campground on a NW aspect, targeting our observations to the persistent slab problem. Four out of four compression tests resulted in easy to moderate failures (sudden collapse) within in a 20 cm weak layer composed of 1.5-2mm facets. This weak layer resides 80-85cm below surface and is 4 fingers-to-fist in hardness. It is below a knife-hard melt freeze crust. Evidence of rounding but overall grains in this layer are weak and not cohesive.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported
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