Lincoln Ridge

We toured on Lincoln Ridge this morning during the initial portion of the storm. On our arrival at 6,700' Yuba Pass there was 2 inches of new snow. Snowfall was continuous, but rates were closer to S1 than to S2. As we ascended up towards 7,000', new snow amounts at 10:40 am were up to 4 inches. We noted areas of thin crust and graupel at the old/new snow interface that was poorly bonded in some areas. Along the summit ridge, were observed wind slabs up to 8 inches thick deposited in leeward areas in NE to E aspect terrain. We traversed several wind loaded test slopes but were unable to trigger more than very minimal cracking with no slab failures. It seemed than more new snow load was required. Driving down from Yuba Pass at 12:30 we noted that snow level had lowered to just above 5,000'.

Very thin crust with graupel was widespread at the old/new snow interface.