Backside of MM

Today was a day of traveling through terrifying crusts. The crusts were supportable, and then unsupportable, making the skiing very treacherous. Cold snow does exist, in isolated terrain features NTL. We did not make hands on observations ATL today. 

Significant warming was observed throughout the day. Despite above freezing temperatures for the last 48 hrs, it seemed there was a refreeze last night in areas exposed to clear skies. Rollerballs were still observed, especially in the face of direct sun. The MF crust reformed quickly when the direct sunlight disappeared. 

The avalanches observed may have released prior to today. 

Widespread collapsing on the surface melt freeze crust. Crust thickness varied depending on aspect, elevation, and direct sun exposure. Avalanches observed for the first time today, 1/29, from a distance. Date of releases for said avalanches is unknown, but is likely in last 48 - 72 hrs.

HS 145 - 165 cm in the 9500' to 10000' range near Mammoth Mountain.

Surface melt freeze crust is present everywhere there has been direct sun exposure, and on all slopes at lower elevations. Crust thickness and hardness varies dependent on aspect and elevation. SH is developing on the surface of the crust in specific terrain features, and mixed forms (faceting and rounding precip particles) exist below the crust. 

Generally, a pencil hard slab sits on top of the 1/02 facet layer over 100 cm down in the snowpack. These facets are dry, and just starting to round. DT SC 13. 

35 - 50 cm of moist DH exist below the 1/02 facet layer. These DH are 3 - 5 mm, and as big as 8 mm, and still well developed. Some of the DH has just begun rounding.