Quick report
We observed no obvious signs of instability, but a snow pit revealed a deep, stubborn persistent layer indicating the consequences of an avalanche are likely to be significant, even if the likelihood is low. We dug a pit on a S-SE slope at 8,700' and performed an extended-column test without a result(ECTX), but after hitting the column two extra times to 32 hits, we got a positive result with full propagation 95cm below the snow surface (HS 125). With no other red flags, it would be easy to justify skiing steeper terrain, especially on a bluebird morning like today. We avoided avalanche terrain and kept terrain choices mellow. This persistent slab problem is spooky.