Quick report
We found variable snow conditions in the backcountry today. From pencil hard wind slabs in exposed terrain, Sun Crusts on South facing slopes, Sastrugi in many exposed upper elevations, and excellent consolidated powder riding in protected northern facing slopes.
The video below shows what we found in our pit tests. We dug a pit on a north facing slope at 8700 feet. We found a total of 65 inches of snow in this location. CT tests showed a failure down about 20 inches at 15 taps and another CT test showed a failure at the ground in the faceted snow at the ground surface. Extended column tests showed a partial propagation down at 20 inches and nothing else after 30 hits.
The only other observation is the extensive surface hoar in protected areas. Although it made for some great riding, it will be a problem when we get the next snowstorm.