Between Ralston Peak and Baldy/Peak 9,155'

We went out between Ralston Peak and Baldy/Peak 9,155' to investigate a reported avalanche from Feb 19.  There were a couple large avalanches that occurred in the forecast region along the Sierra Crest after the last storm cycle that we wanted to get more information about.  We found a large wind slab avalanche with a crown depth of around 4 feet deep with areas up to 5 to 6 feet deep.  HS=320cm at crown line profile location with the unreactive weak layer down 110-140cm.  Slope angles ranged from 35 to 50 degrees in steepness.  The wind slab avalanche failed on non persistent storm snow weak layers.  Observations and snowpack tests at the crown showed unreactive results.

Warm temperatures with light SW winds created wet surface snow on all sun exposed slopes today.  Shaded northerly aspects continued to hold cold unconsolidated snow in this area. 

We noted some areas of upright, intact surface hoar persisting during the afternoon hours below treeline in wind protected areas on northerly aspects.