Angell Basin

I observed cracking in exposed wind-loaded terrain near and above treeline.  Below treeline, I found touchy storm slabs on small test slopes that were failing on a density change in the most recent storm snow.  I carefully traveled on slopes less than 30 degrees, being diligent not to be below steeper slopes or be above any sort of terrain trap such as gullies, creeks, and cliffs.    I dug two pits, one at 8100' on an East Aspect, and one at 8400' on a North aspect in the Lee/Angell saddle.   Both pits showed propagation in the ECT's (ECTP27 at 8100' and ECTP29 at 8400').   As we continue to put more of a load on this snowpack this evening in the form of more snow and wind-blown snow, I would not be surprised if there is a natural avalanche cycle.  

110cm/43" of storm snow since 1/5 is right side up (increasing hardness with depth).  This new snow sits atop a layer of softer, weaker, sugary facets, and below that is a harder bed surface.   Sounds like the perfect recipe for a persistent avalanche once more weight and a trigger is introduced....doesn't it?  Below this harder layer (bed surface) sits the hard December 4th Rain Crust with some weaker snow right at the base of the snowpack.