MYOKO SNOWPACK OBSERVATIONS REPORT

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Location: Myoko - Maeyama - N/NE open slope
Coordinates: 36.89377, 138.13471
Elevation: 1763m (5785 ft)
Aspect: N-NE (heading 020)
Activity: Snowpack assessment (pit)
Observers: Nik N

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Concerning results observed: No concerning CT reactivity observed; wind-scoured ridgelines and terrain traps remained primary operational concerns

No instability signs were observed during travel or at the pit (no cracking, whumpfing, or avalanche activity). Compression testing produced no result. Operational concerns were concentrated on wind-scoured ridgelines and terrain traps (gullies, wind-scoured sections).

QUICK SUMMARY - CTN at ~110cm interface in 145cm pit, HS at least 245cm (true HS unknown), consistent well-bonded snow

At 11:32 AM on Feb 10, we completed a snowpack assessment on Maeyama at 1763m on N-NE terrain. Compression testing showed no result (CTN). A subtle interface at ~110cm depth contained slightly less rounded 1mm grains, with rounded 1mm grains above and below. HS was not measured; minimum observed was at least 245cm. Pit depth was 145cm.

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AVALANCHE SUMMARY - NO ACTIVITY OBSERVED

No avalanche activity observed. No direct signs of instability (cracking, whumpfing) reported. Visibility limitations were not recorded.

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SNOWPACK SUMMARY - HS >=245cm (minimum observed), pit 145cm, interface at ~110cm with rounded 1mm grains, CTN

Total Snow Height (HS): >=245cm (minimum observed; true HS unknown)
Pit Depth: 145cm

Hardness Profile (surface down):

• 0-30cm: F
• 30-45cm: 4F
• 45-65cm: 2F
• 65-75cm: 1F
• 75-120cm: P
• 120-145cm: K

Grain Types and Bonding:

• Surface: decomposing/morphing crystals (recent cold snow)
• Interface at ~110cm: slightly less rounded 1mm grains
• Above and below interface: rounded 1mm grains with good bonding

Stability Test:

• CT: No result (CTN)

Temperature Profile (°C):

• Surface: -6.6
• 10cm: -8.4
• 20cm: -7.7
• 30cm: -7.0
• 40cm: -6.2
• 50cm: -5.4
• 60cm: -5.0
• 70cm: -4.6
• 80cm: -4.3
• 90cm: -3.7
• 100cm: -3.4
• 110cm: -2.9
• Interface (~110cm): -3.4 above, -3.7 at interface, -3.4 below (field spot checks)

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WEATHER SUMMARY - Clear, calm, no precip; recent snowfall 2 days prior with strong wind-transport variability

Conditions during fieldwork:

• Sky: Clear
• Precipitation: None
• Air temperature: 2°C
• Wind: Minimal

Recent weather:

• Fresh snowfall 2 days prior; observer estimate ranged 60cm to 1.5m depending on wind transport and exposure (high spatial variability)
• Cold overnight temperatures near -8°C; surface snow warmed rapidly with solar input by the time of observation

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TRAVEL CONDITIONS - Consistent, well-bonded snow; wind-scoured ridges scratchy; terrain traps manageable with conservative line choice

Travel conditions were generally consistent with well-bonded snow for movement. Wind effect on ridgelines had scoured snow and created scratchy surfaces. Coverage was good with fewer brush/bush hazards than earlier season observations. Terrain traps (gullies and wind-scoured sections) remained key concerns but were manageable by staying high in gullies and controlling speed on scoured snow.

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ASSESSMENT - Classic Myoko snowpack with consistent structure at this site; localized wind effects and terrain traps remain key operational considerations

This pit showed a generally strong, well-bonded snowpack with no compression-test reactivity and only a subtle interface at ~110cm. Conditions at this site were consistent with a classic Myoko snowpack structure. Localized variability is still expected due to wind transport and terrain features; wind-scoured ridgelines and gullies remain the most significant operational hazards. HS and recent storm totals were not directly measured at the pit site and should be treated as minimum/estimated values.

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