Quick report
Rode into the Salt River Range to check recent snow instability since 3/21. Found a widespread crust on all aspects up to 9000' below recent snow, breakable on N aspects. Recent snow was light density across all elevations. Below 7500': 2-4" of recent snow. From 7500-9000': 5-7" of recent snow. Snow totals from Willow Creek Snotel site were fairly accurate. No evidence of wind slabs to 9000' even on exposed ridgelines. Plenty of snow available for transport if temperatures stay cold and wind increases. Snow sluffed easily above the widespread crust on steep terrain. Sluggish character but gained volume and momentum on steep, sustained slopes. Slough management was important and critical for line choice. Dry loose observed below rock features. Warm temperatures at low elevations by 13:00 creating denser snow. Broken cloud cover becoming scattered while departing at 15:00 with limited solar influence on southerlies by that time. Brief periods of snow, but minimal accumulation during the day. Average total snow depth was 220cm around 9000'.
Observed evidence of a very large D3 avalanche in the creek bottom with 8-12" diameter trees in the debris pile. Date of occurence is unknown but could have been a deep slab from the last major loading event, or a wet slab during the beginning of the March warm spell. See attached photos.