East Angle

Low danger does not mean no danger.

We found obvious signs of small, reactive wind slabs in upper elevation leeward and cross-loaded terrain (N-E aspects) on slopes over 35 degrees. Slab depths were only 3-5" with sluggish character that consisted of the new, low density snow from the previous two days.  These weren't large enough to bury a person, but could knock a rider off their feet in steep terrain. 

Overcast to broken cloud cover that transitioned to clear skies by the afternoon. Frigid cold temperatures (wax those boards and skis: sticky cold pow). Moderate W-NW wind with strong, consistent gusts. 

Isolated to specific distribution of shooting cracks up to 6' long and shallow avalanches on small test slopes. Obvious wind effect was apparent on ridglines and open/exposed slopes, including cross loaded terrain. Fresh drifts were formed off leeward features.

Faceted snow (.5mm) formed during the January drought is capped with melt freeze crust and new snow on W-S-E aspects (no melt freeeze crust on N aspects). This layer will be worth tracking when additional snow arrives. The new snow could protect and preserve these facets to create some problems down  the road. Time and weather will tell. 

9600' E aspect

HS: 115cm ECTX basal facets (slight depth hoar) were rounding and only consisted of the bottom 15cm (not well connected across terrain in this location).