Mosquito Creek

Deep powder day in Mosquito up and over Mud Pass. Recent snow 12-20" (35-40cm) in the last ~48 hours above 8000'.  Density change within the storm interface with easy hand shears. 5-7" of new 24 hour snow is slightly denser (upside down character). All recent snow has not set up into a firm slab (F hard still). Light to moderate S winds. Wind slabs would be isolated to ridgelines and exposed alpine terrain. Did see some slight cracking on terrain exposed to the wind but very isolated. December drought layer is 80-125cm below the surface. New to old snow interface is hard to assess as new snow lacks the firm slab quality for propagation (ECTN results, no propagation). December drought layer is 80-125cm below the surface. New snow sits on a variety of interfaces included:

West, South, East aspects: melt freeze crust and facet combination (near surface facets above, facets below)

North aspects: varied facets. Large 2mm well developed facets on sheltered north, 0.5mm facets on exposed north. 

Watch for the new snow to turn into a firm cohesive slab. Poor new to old snow interface exists. Warm temperatures, wind and additional snowfall will be necessary. Conditions could change by tomorrow becoming more sensitive.