Quick report
We observed about 30 cm of fresh snow above a stout crust layer on the south facing winter route up Mount Ellinor in the SE Olympics. We dug 3 separate pits in about a 50 x 50 meter area as training exercise and observed similar results in each. Elevation 4570'. 215 cm total snow depth. 215-185 depth was fresh loose, dry snow. Significant crust layer at 185cm (30 cm depth). Another crust layer at 160 cm depth. Then firm icy snow to ground level. CT failed at 15 cm depth at 3 finger taps (Easy/ almost Very Easy). We elected to not climb toward the summit based on this and the forecast, which we thought our observation validated. We spent the night in this area and received another 5 cm of snow during Saturday night - Sunday morning. Elected to also not climb Sunday morning based on yesterday results and more new snow.