Galena Peak

I found heavily wind-affected snow surfaces above roughly 9500'. On slopes that face away from the sun and are sheltered from wind, I found generally stable conditions. 

Did not observe any recent avalanches. I did not get cracking/collapsing. No propagation in large column tests.

My goals today were to get an idea of the distribution and sensitivity of wind slabs at upper elevations, observe the extent of wet loose activity, and look at the snowpack structure in sheltered middle elevations. 

Wind Slabs:
I started to encounter wind slabs on ridgelines at 9500'. The distribution increased as I climbed in elevation. Exposed features, such as ridgelines and alpine bowls are covered in evidence of wind. Ripples, dunes, pillows, and sastrugi were widespread above 10k'. I encountered windslabs up to 60cm deep. In places, the snowpack was made up of just hard wind slabs resting on facets. I did not experience any cracking or see recent crownlines. 

Wet Loose: 
Snow surfaces that faced the sun were taking heat, but wet issues were less than anticipated. I didn't see or hear any wet loose activity, just a couple of roller ball dribblers from previous days. The upper 1-2cm of snow was moistening by the time I exited the field at 1:30pm. 

General Structure in sheltered terrain: 
Found generally good stability in terrain that lacked wind-affect. HS ranged from 100 to 160cm. Above previous rain lines, where the snowpack is deeper (roughly 9000' and up), the snowpack lacks any obvious layering except for the 4F/1F basal facets. Below 9000', crusts/facet combos are found in the upper 75cm of the snowpack. 

Dug at 9300' West facing. HS  160cm. Snowpack graded from F-1F. Didn't perform any tests. 
Dug at 8500' West facing. HS 110cm. 1/1 is 45cm down. ECTX x2, CT 26 SC on 1/1, which was a thin crust with facets overlying.