Wimpies

Extensive cracking and collapsing at the lower elevations, up to around 8,500’. Shooting cracks and failure at the 1/4 interface - which on the SE/E aspects consisted of a melt freeze crust compounded with weak faceted snow. The collapsing was also accentuated by the almost buried sagebrush and upside down storm snow. However make no mistake, SE aspects at the elevation bands of approximated 7,400' - 8.500’ on slopes over 30 degrees shouldn’t be instantly green-lighted because they typically are safe. With further load these slopes will become more problematic, and we kept slope angles and exposure very tight on both the ascent and descent. Hasty pole pits here collapsed upon isolation.

One natural at 8,800’ NE aspect, failing on 1/4 interface, see below. Of note I heard similar naturals ran on the NE gully aspects in Maverikcs yesterday.

Cracking and collapsing diminished once at the previous continuous snow line, and placing the up track was less touchy. However, one thunderous collapse occurred at 9,600’ as I approached a thin spot near the ridgeline. The audible was heard by my partner 50m below me and he heard it travel even further downhill - though we weren't on steep terrain nor connected to any. This location continued to produce collapses on the second lap. 

Storm snow heights in the upper elevations were around 60cm. Wind drifted snow was 90cm in depth, and winds began to ramp in moderate speeds from the SW in the early afternoon. Here the the 1/4 interface had weak large grain facets sitting below a four finger plus slab, with easy shears in hasty pole pits.

One natural observed - see below. Also one small remote 8,500' SE on a rocky rollover while descending.