Elkhorns

The two weak layers I was targeting were found in all but one of the snowpits I dug.  A layer of Buried Surface Hoar, which was buried on Valentine's Day, was previously noted in the Southern Elkhorns last week. Also, weak sugary snow around the 2/8 interface was observed in all of my pits.  

The Valentine's Buried Surface Hoar was very reactive on a NW aspect at 7,730 feet, producing full propagation in three extended column tests.  I found this same weak layer on a South and also West aspect at a similar elevation.  

The height of new snow was 20cm or 8 inches, with wind effect in some locations.  

Only had cracking near a snowpit where Valentine's Buried Surface Hoar was found on a NW aspect around 7,730'.

The biggest takeaway was the Valentine's Buried Surface Hoar was found widespread between 7,500-8,000 feet on all aspects, where I traveled. On a NW aspect at 7,730' feet I conducted three Extended Column Tests and had Propagation on all three of my tests, with the Valentine's Surface Hoar as the weak layer. This was buried nearly 2 feet from the surface and was clearly defined.  

The same surface hoar layer was also found on West and south-facing terrain, closer to the surface.  

Below the Valentine's Layer, I also found facets around the 2/8 interface. These were not reactive in my snowpack tests, but were still concerning.