Nordic Ski Patrol Log: Feb 8, 1998

Snow Stake: Didn't Check

Car Count: Green Rock at 11:15 am: 129 Vehicles --ouch.
                Little Laramie Trailhead: 2 cars at 11:15
                
Ski Route: Skied with Myron Allen, Adele Aldrich, Tim and Aaron Gilbert.
Had got an inside scoop from Lisa Marnot Saturday during the ski race
that a nice hill to ski down and get some turns was just off Barber lake
trail. This open glade is visible from near the top of the chute chair
lift, looking to the north east. Had to check it out.

We parked at Green rock and skied about one-half mile, till the road
turns sharp right. We skied off the road to the east (left) and followed
the ridge through the trees to a small knoll at the top edge of section
19, Centennial Quadrangle map. The glade is visible on the map just SE of
this knoll (centered in top half of section 19). We found quite a bit of
exposed rock and stumps on the very southern exposure; the east,
southeast facing part of the glade was skiable. The snow was hard pack
with a couple inches of fresh snow on top; got some nice turns in. This
is a real pretty slope to ski and will head back when there is fresh
powder. 

We skied to the south to Barber Lake Road but Lisa mentioned that she
skis out to the southeast and catches the access road to the ski hill.
Can do this trip in probably about an hour.

We got to Barber Lake Road and took Barber Lake Trail to the old ski hill
where we dug a snow pit. 

Snow Pit data:
Location: 150 yards west of creek on about 5 degree slope in open area at
base of old ski hill.

Total depth: 86 cm

0 cm    0 C                     0-52 cm Consolidated snow pack
10 cm   -3 C    Fist
20 cm   -3 C    Fist    
30 cm   -3 C    3 finger        
40 cm   -3 C    3 finger        
50 cm   -2 C                    52 -86 cm depth hoar
60 cm   -2 C    Fist
70 cm   -1 C    Fist
80 cm   0 C     Fist
86 cm   ground

Shovel shear test resulted in top 52 cm of consolidated snow releasing as
a block, failing in depth hoar layer at bottom. 

Ruschblock test also resulted in entire 52 cm block of consolidated snow
sliding on depth hoar layer after three jumps on snow pack. I would call
the avalanche danger moderate to high.

Skied rest of barber lake trail to turnoff for corner mountain trailhead.
The snow on Barber Lake trail and Corner Mountain trail was hardpack
snow, but not icy. We saw about 10 people on Barber Lake trail.

Will listen again to any skiing recommendations from Lisa Marnot. Thanks
Lisa.