[MCR] Blackcomb Glacier E Col

Subject: [MCR] Blackcomb Glacier E Col
Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2006 21:10:54 -0800
I went to the East Col from the Blackcomb Glacier today. Winds had created varying density windslabs throughout the alpine.  We dug into the snow at 2340 meters elevation and the only interesting feature found was a thin (5cm) pencil hardness wind slab above a 4 finger hard layer 20cm below the surface.  Where we dug this layer was fracturing on an easy compression SP "popping out".  This layer might be a future problem with further loading. Everything deeper in the snow pack was quite solid.  At this elevation and site ski penetration was 5-15cm and Foot Penetration was up to 30cm.  Air temperature was -2 at 2 pm.  I saw no recent avalanches activity. The way I saw it - the Hazard in the Alpine was Moderate and the Stability Fair, but with limited observations.  
I've included a photo of the Spearhead from the E Col. Sorry about the lack of definition.
 
Dave Sarkany,  Ski Guide  

Attachment: Spearhead Dec 3rd sml.jpg
Description: JPEG image