Quick report
Wind speed was higher than forecasted today, resulting in visible wind transport across the middle and upper elevations riding out from Horse Creek. Wind speed increased drastically early this morning with peak intensity around noon (above 20 mph). This was forming shallow slabs on exposed terrain, but we did not see any cracking surfaces on wind loaded slopes during our travels. Recent snow amounts from the last few days varied. Wind drifted areas held 12" of recent snow. Other slopes were scoured bare of any recent snow. No recent avalache activity or collapsing was observed.
Average snowpack depth varied based on wind affect (typical for this area). Deeper wind drifted slopes held up to 150-200cm (60-80"). Persistent weak layers (basal facets) were buried over 100cm (3') in these locations. Shallow slopes held around 100cm or less and basal facets were buried around 2-3' on these shallower slopes. These slopes are where we focused our attention when digging two snowpits around 9000'.
Snowpack
We dug a couple of snowpits to check how the persistent weak layers buried near the ground (basal facets) are adjusting to the current load of snow. We found propagation during the extended column test in only one snowpit despite the similiar total depths (100 vs 125cm). The snowpits were dug at similar elevations, but different aspects. Both locations held hard slabs (1F+) above the basal facets.
9000' NW aspect HS: 103cm ECTP25 failed on 1-2mm dry facets buried 90cm (35") below the surface.
9000' E aspect HS: 125cm ECTX (no propagation) persistent weak layers buried 85cm below the surface.