Prater

Traveled up to 10,000' on Prater and observed recent wind slab avalanches ~2 feet deep on the very steep north face of Poudre . These natural avalanches likely occured in the last 48-72 hours during peak wind loading. They did not appear to step down to any of the weak layers below. Overall low density snow with miminal wind effect where I traveled. Recent snow was bonding well to previous interfaces. Observed dry loose on very steep slopes across all elevations. Cornices are large and should warrant caution along alpine ridgelines. 

Low level clouds were thick all morning before dispersing around 13:00 providing clear skies. Snow surfaces remained cool all day. 

Snow coverage in the Salt River Range has improved significantly from the series of storms since Jan 2nd. ~40-80cm at  from 6500-7500'

Recent avalanches on very steep wind loaded terrain above 9500'.

Dug a snowpit to check the recent storm interfaces and persistent grains around the Jan 2nd and Christmas crusts. I did not see any propagation in this snowpit. The overall snowpack was right side up and healing. 

8,900' NW aspect

Jan 2nd (mist crust?) buried 62cm. No propagation. 

Christmas crust buried 107cm. No propagation. Facets were present above the crust but these were rounding. High strength during shovel shear test. All snow below Christmas crust is hard, refrozen due to the warm temperatures in December.