Facet-lanches and wind slabs

Lots of wind affected snow at treeline and above at Bow Summit. A test pit to investigate the stiff (pencil +) wind slab above the South Chutes gave: CTM 11 (SC) down 40cm on large facets ECTP 12 down 40cm on FC 3 These pit results reinforced our decision to avoid the recently loaded chutes. I also cut some full depth loose/dry avalanches out of a steeper sheltered slope below treeline. The faceted snowpack has little strength and was easily sluffing. In one place the slope had been triggered by a snowball falling from a tree.