Cracking and Collapsing in Hyalite
Date
Activity
Skiing
Skied in Hyalite around ~8000ft on E and NE aspects. Clear skies, calm winds, beautiful day.
HS ~40cm, composed entirely of basal facets and storm snow. Was easily able to put my poles to the ground basket side down.
Despite the unconsolidated snowpack, I had 25+ significant collapses while breaking trail, with shooting cracks up to 50ft long. The collapses created visible waves on the surface of the snow and shook small trees and weeds sticking through.
Region
Northern Gallatin
Observer Name
M. Lavery