Deep Creek Observations

We went to Deep Creek Peak today to monitor snow surface conditions and to look for buried surface hoar.   Cold temperatures at the trailhead this morning warmed quickly as we climbed up in elevation above the temperature inversion.  Shaded aspects held cold soft snow with around 2-3'' of recent storm snow on top.  Under this recent snow, we found buried surface hoar in multiple locations.  Sizes ranged from 2-6mm in avalanche terrain and up to 10mm at open lower elevations near the valley bottom .  This buried surface hoar was unreactive with no slab on top and is not a current issue at this location.  The concern is that this buried surface hoar will be preserved until our next larger storm overloads this layer and can cause failure.

The upper terrain in this area have slopes that are NE wind protected and do not see the widespread wind scouring that has been occurring at other wind exposed locations.  These slopes were much softer and showed some small wind slab cracking on N aspects from recent E wind loading.  Ridges and prevailing windward terrain in this area was a mixed bag with areas of soft snow and firm crusts present.  As the winds switch back to the SW later today and increase in speed Thursday night, there will be some snow available for wind transport in this area.