Weird Snow Gullies

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Weird Snow Gullies

Weird Snow Gullies

The east side of Black Mountain has these interesting long gullies in the snow. They varied from about six inches to perhaps 18 inches deep and ran for several meters. I have never seen such formations before and am interesting in hearing how they form or whatever anyone may know about them. June 2009
mrh
on Aug 7, 2009 4:49 pm
Image ID: 538271

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Super Dave

Super Dave - Aug 13, 2009 11:49 pm - Voted 10/10

Snowmelt

I've seen these before and have been told they are formed by snowmelt water flowing downhill on top of the snow. Might have something to do with the warm May we had this year. Seems like there were quite a few sun-cup areas around this year too.

mrh

mrh - Aug 14, 2009 12:56 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Snowmelt

Sounds logical. I had that idea, but thought it odd that I had never seen such a thing before.

nartreb

nartreb - Aug 14, 2009 3:07 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Snowmelt

I doubt that snow surface would hold water. You're probably looking at the result of meltwater organizing into channels *through* the snow. That would undermine the surface, allowing it to collapse as it warms in the sun.

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