Snake River Range (Indian Peak)

Snowmobiled back in towards Indian Peak. 12-20" of recent snow. Most unstable snow was found off ridgelines on northerly aspects and exposed terrain where wind has formed sensitive slabs 2-3 ft deep. Observed cracking on large drifts and wind loaded features. Light to moderate S winds visibly transporting snow forming fresh slabs. Otherwise recent snow has not set up into a firm, cohesive slab despite warm temperatures today.  Recent snow sits on a widespread melt freeze crust up to 9000' (poor interface). A group snowmobilers triggered a very small avalanche (D1-R1) on a steep 40 degree NW aspect at 8500' that failed on the December drought (1/4) layer. This slope had a very thin, sensitive snowpack, 80cm (30") total snow depth with a crown 40cm (16") deep. 

Total snow depths: 

6500-7500' 30-70 cm (1-2 ft) 1/4 layer buried 20-50cm (12-20")

8000'-9000' 100-200cm (3-6ft) 1/4 persistent weak layer buried 70-130cm (2-4ft)