Baker BC - Artist Point

The observed natural avalanche cycle was on par with what was expected from Saturday's rain event, with large loose wet and slab avalanches everywhere. The low-elevation snowpack was probably too thin in most locations for avalanches to reach the valley bottom. It was good to give the snowpack a day to adjust, but thinking we will not see many more wet avalanches other than at the new snow layer and whatever falls in the next few days.  There wasn't enough rain to see glide avalanches and large cornice falls.  Felt the likelihood of wet slab avalanches was more Possible than Likely (Stubborn x Widespread when combining sensitivity and distribution). Traveling in some avalanche terrain felt reasonable, but was glad not to be tucked up against large slopes and cliffs. Snow conditions were vastly better than expected, with the new snow providing soft and fast turns and keeping skis above the wet, mushy snow below it.

10-15cm of 4F moist new snow over a 30cm layer of wet 4F melt forms. 1F to P small rounded grains below. Hard to pick out the exact location of 2/15 interface. New snow well bonded to wet layer below and was quite supportable on skis. Was surprised not to find a much thicker wet snow layer.  CT's produced RP shears at the down 40cm and MF/RG interface but instantly re-bonded and couldn't get blocks to separate.