Quick report
We observed 12-16" of preserved powder in sheltered terrain from the wind where we found the best riding conditions. Strong SW wind before noon. Visible wind transport was seen at the top of Angle actively loading N-E aspects on open/exposed terrain. We found some small reactive wind slab less than 4" deep. Widepsread wind-packed surfaces were found on windward slopes above 9,500'. These surfaces were formed prior to increasing wind today. Less snow available for transport as a result.
Snowpack
North facing aspects hold a deeper snowpack containing a hard 1F+ slab above weak basal facets formed early season. Areas where a deeper snowpack exists will be difficult to trigger the basal facets. A large warmign cycle with temperatures above freezing overnight will be required to improve the structure on northerly aspects.
9500 N aspect HS: 217cm ECTX Top half of the snowpack was rightside up without any layers of concern from Feb 13-15th interfaces. Bottom 40cm consisted of well developed dry basal facets.
Areas of more concern are slopes that contain a thinner, and therefore weaker snowpack. We conveniently found very weak snow on a wind scoured slope after stepping off the machines and sinking down to basal facets. This was a clear indication we encountered an area where the persistent slab problem is relevant. Wind affected slopes where the overlying slab is thinner continue to be the main concern.
10,000 SW aspect HS: 65cm ECTP19 on large 2-3mm facets that consisted of half the snowpack (30cm). Overlying slab was 4F+ hard.