Willow Creek

Deep riding conditions with 10-16" of new snow in the lower to upper elevations (less in the valley). We observed mutliple small D1 natural storm slabs that likely failed midstorm on density changes during rapid loading with depths around 4-8". This unstable snow was observed on very steep slopes over 35 degrees above 8500' on a variety of aspects. Dry loose avalanches were observed across all elevations. New snow was low density and fairly right side up. No cracking or stiffened surfaces were observed. Little to no wind affect was seen up to 9500' ( confirms the light winds recorded at Mt Coffin). Plenty of snow available for transport. Full cloud cover all day with light-moderate snow flurries in the morning. No warming or wet loose observed. 

New snow will destabilize quickly once skies clear and slopes receive direct solar radiation. Larger D2 avalanches will be possible tomorrow when skies clear. 

Snowpack was generally stable and right-side up below the new snow. We dug in two upper elevation areas to compare the northerly vs southerly aspects. Both snowpits produced ECTN results on multiple midstorm density breaks. No propagation was observed on the 3/4 interface that formed during a prolonged period of dry and warm weather. New snow was F hard and lacked cohesive slab quality. 

9200' NW aspect HS: 340cm. NS: 40cm. 55cm of recent snow since 3/4 that sits on a stiff 1F slab (no melt freeze crust)

9300' SW apects HS: 265  NS: 35cm that sits on a unsupportable melt freeze crust (3/5). A stouter, supportable crust (3/4) lies 45cm below the surface (luckily not supportable for snowmobiles).

If the new snow warms drastically, it could easily fail on the melt freeze crust interfaces. I assume this poor interface will only last during the first initial warm up then lock up quickly. No alarming persistent grains were identified.