Coal Creek Pass

Checked out the top of Glory, then traversed north along the ridgeline before descending to the top of Coal Creek. Winds were moderate out of the west at the ridgetop and actively blowing snow. Descending west, winds quickly subsided to light and we exited the cloud layer which sat just below 10,000 feet. We noticed short east-facing cracks at ridgetop elevations isolated to small wind pockets (see photo). As we descended further into Coal Creek, winds abated entirely.

The only signs of instability noted today were along ridgelines at high elevations. Pockets of wind-drifted snow were sensitive to skis and broke 12 - 14 inches deep. These pockets were in isolated areas on eastern aspects and the crack we produced never exceeded 20 feet in length. 

Snow depth varied below 9500 feet, but was generally deeper than 200cm (6.5 feet). At 9000 feet, we dug a pit on a west-facing slope and found a snow height of 273cm (9 feet). Pit tests produced an ECTX, however weak facets are still present below at a 4 - 5 foot thick hard slab. We performed a Deep Tap test on our isolated column and were able to initiate propagation on the buried facet layer. 

Short cracks were noted along ridgelines at 10,000 feet on the eastern aspects and isolated to small wind-loaded pockets.