5.2.4 Snow

New event: Snow

The initial 16-in (40-cm) snowfall had an SLR of 12:1, which has probably decreased to about 11:1 in the six days following the event. Then we get 8 in (20 cm) of wet, heavy snow, with an SLR of 8:1.

Snowpack scenario in mountainous terrain showing addition of new snow

What impact might the new layer of wet, heavy snow have on the pack's stability? Select the correct answer, then click Done.

The correct answer is b.

Since the lower portion of the snowpack is six days old, it has had time to evolve and could well contain depth hoar (a weak layer). The added weight of the new, heavy snow poses a risk that the weak layer may fracture or collapse.