Quick report
Toured from the east at ~4100 ft to the top of Black Crater. Sufficient snow to skin from the start but not enough snow depth to ride until ~5000 ft. Snow was ~60 cm at this elevation. Even then, as other observers mentioned there are plenty of down logs and manzanita so exercise caution at lower elevations. While ascending an east facing aspect, there were obvious signs of wind affected snow. We dug a pit just above the lake bowl on a NE facing slope at 6500'. Snow depth at the pit was ~130cm although it is obvious that a large portion of this snow depth was due to wind transport. We performed a shovel shear test and found two weaker layers, one softer wind slab around 20 cm down (Jan 6/7 interface), and then a more cohesive block of snow next around 55 cm down (Jan 3/4 interface). Below this was fully saturated snow that required a saw to get through (crust at 65cm). This was bonded well with the Jan 3/4 snow. Th Great for the base! During a compression test, the first layer went at CT7 resistant planar. The second layer observed failed at CT28, again exhibiting resistant planar failure. With the exception of the top wind slab the snowpack is right side up. On the descent there was a defined transition of the snow as the heat and sun affected the snowpack. Powdery snow assumed a heavier, clumpier state from the ascent to the descent. Skins on for the manzanita as a speed check to prevent injury!