Observation: Ant Knolls

The weak snowpack structure hasn't gone anywhere. At lower and mid elevations, everything that is not south facing is faceted with large cupping depth hoar at the ground. South facing aspects at the lower and mid-elevations are primarily dirt. As you gain elevation, the snowpack depth increased and there can be a bit more of a slab found (especially in areas with wind drifted snow), sitting atop of varying layers of decomposing precipitation particles and facets. At the ground you find large (3-5mm) cupping facets and even chains of facets. The layer that is of most concern is thin crust midway in the snowpack, with large faceted grains below it and faceted grains above it. In many areas that crust is challenging to see, and easier to actually feel with a crystal card or your hand. Photo of chaining facets

Variety of snow surfaces in the backcountry. Over the past week, the strong winds have changed the snow surface, leaving supportable hard wind board at ridgelines. Southerly and westerly aspects were getting damp in the afternoon. Many shady areas do hold a crust under the new snow or wind blown snow, but the boot pen is basically to the ground as soon as you step into it. 

Meisenheimer and Staples visited this same area on the 22nd of December and you can find that observation HERE.  Between then and now, only about 2-4" of new snow is the difference.  The faceted snow has grown in size since our last visit.  Weak snow on almost all aspects.