Lower First Gulley

Quick report

Sampled SWE from both GCX site and Sunset site. Epic storm with post frontal wind this am. Speeds of over 40 and Gondola on hold till noonish. Snowfall amounts affected by the wind and sites reporting 40 cm (16") to 55 cm (22"). Density ranged from 12.5% to 17.2% indicating lots of moisture and wind densified snow. There was a rime ice skin on top of snowpack this am making for a crunchy kind of feel. Ski penetration was around 30 cm ( 12") conditions were amazingly consistent. No signs of instability were observed but some hasty pit tests resulted in moderate energy. Things changing rapidly as the March sun warmed things up fast. The snowpack above tree line was affected by strong turbulent suspension due to the N NE wind loading up lee side aspects and sublimating large amounts of snow. I stayed on slopes of less than 30 degrees and took advantage of the shady aspects. My Observations were from 11000 to around 9500 on SW to W aspects. Good to see others out there carefully assessing conditions. Cheers