Billy Mitchell

At 1200 ft only a dusting of snow had fallen a few days ago, this increased with elevation and at 4000 ft, 3 inches of consolidated snow was found with pockets up to 6 inches in depth found in wind loaded terrain. The 3/16 Buried Surface Hoar varied in distribution. It was found intact in protected locations and disturbed but still present on slopes that had seen more wind during this last round of precipitation. A small D1 natural was observed on a west facing slope in the direct sun and cracking underfoot occured in areas where the slab was stiffened by wind. On slopes 35 degrees and less the slab sitting on top of the 3/16 BSH is not deep enough to produce an avalanche of much consequence, but on wind loaded and steeper slopes, it could be possible to triggered an avalanche that entrains enough snow to be consequential to a skier or rider.