Test pits in kicking horse slack country

<p>Today we travelled on N, E and S aspects in the alpine and tree line. Moderate Whumphing was observed on S and E aspects at tree line, but no shooting cracks or slabs relesed on smaller test slopes. No new avalanches observed apart from minor stuffing in steep terrain. Solar aspects feel more right side up and E and N aspects feel more hollow due to the sugary facets in the bottom 1/2 of the snowpack. We did 2 test pits: 1) Molars S aspect, 2240m, 28 degrees, Hight of snow 75cm Compression test Moderate Resistant Planar down 33cm on Surface hoar sz 1-3mm. A 1cm crust down 20cm is a future concern with additional loading, it's the most visible layer in the photo. Ground was moist with no October crust This pit was soft on top and firmer at the bottom (right side up) 2) Molars SE aspect 2350m, 32 degrees, hight of snow 85cm Compression Test Moderate 12 and 14 Sudden Collapse down 45cm in facets (4 finger density with 1 finger density slab above) At the base of the snowpack was a 10cm thick ice crust, pencil to knife in density. This pit was firmer on top and softer in the lower portion (upside-down) </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes, Sunny slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Powder.

Weather Conditions

Sunny.