Quick report
Our approach ran through low angle terrain erring on the side of caution with avalanche presence noted that morning. .25 miles after the hair pin turn on the road we began our approach up the southern face at a NE heading hoping to find test slopes similar to the slides observed in order to test our assumptions about snowpack. Following a gentle path our group crossed a bridge formation above a gulley at 3700’. Snow pit of 110-90cm was dug at 4100’ on a southern facing aspect. Slope angle approx 27 degrees. Sheer test resulted in 4 layers 1. 4cm 2-4 30cm releasing with increasing pressure, layers were stacked on a pencil thick crust 5cm thick above fist strength facets near the ground. CT24 resulted in a 15 cm collapse but was the only observed failure. Did not have time to do an ECT before reaching turn around time. Snow was stable on our descent. Variable snow quality shifted from wind blown 2-3inch crust to pockets of deeper snow deposited from NW winds the day before. Sunny day and great learning conditions.
Avalanche
Wind slab natural release on the lookers right ridge below the summit. 3 slides two originating from the ridge and one (furthest left) originating lower. Could indicate signs of a persistent slab at elevations greater than 4500’.