Ramshorn area

Observed multiple aspects on our ride up and over Ramshorn Peak. Snowpack was typical of what we are seeing regionally with a (mostly) settled slab 1-1.2m thick over a thick layer of basal facets. Surface grains consist of well developed, loose dry near surface facets in sheltered areas capped by wind stiffened snow in exposed areas. Clear signs of wind drifting from south, north and west winds.  The weak basal layer remains guarded by a pencil and finger hardness slab with propagation saw tests confirming stubborn propagation tendencies. This is the layer that would keep me from center punching a steep, alpine slope peppered with rocks.  

Southerly snow surfaces, especially SW facing, became saturated to 10cm by afternoon.

The NSF distribution will add a greater degree of unpredictability to incoming storm and wind slabs if the 2-3" of water materialize this weekend.