Anderson-Watson

While we observed no signs of instability, it still seemed wise to not charge blindly into steep, unsupported terrain in the alpine given the extend of recent wind loading.  The most notable observation was the amount of weak, faceted snow found at the surface and also in the top 30cm of the upper spx on all aspects.

Signs of numerous D1 naturals from east winds early in the weekend. Also the previously reported crown of very large avalanche on WNW aspect of Bacon Peak, also probably from the same east wind loading event. No present signs of instability.

West, north, and then east winds widely redistributed recent storm snow back on forth across different aspects at upper elevations. Snow depth above 12/30 crust ranged from 30 to 150cm.  

In sheltered terrain and also areas with minor wind loading, Jan 8-10 storm snow was soft and well settled. Faceted stellars and/or decomposing fragments at the surface. HS in these areas up to 250cm at 5500'.

In the most wind scoured locations, the thin melt-freeze or rime crust (probably deposited mid-storm on Jan 8th during a brief period of warming) was exposed at the surface. These same spots held the weakest snow with 1-2mm faceted grains from just below the surface crust and down 20-40cm to the stout 12-30 crust below.

The 12/30 crust in heavily wind-scoured spots was starting to facet out and decompose, but it was still strong where there was more snow over the 12/30.

Navigable but still lower than average snowpack at low elevations and in terrain with thick tree cover.