Quick report
Spent 3/16 and 3/17 exploring terrain on multiple aspects above 6k’ south of White Pass. Overall saw fewer signs of instability than one might have expected given the dramatic warmup in recent days. However, a snow pit did indicate that the persistent weak layer atop the EFC is still fairly reactive and worthy of concern. Rollerballs were widespread on solar aspects in the afternoon on both days but we saw no signs of natural loose wet avalanches. Ski penetration on solar aspects above 6400’ ranged from 2-4 inches around midday. N and E aspects generally remained supportive above 6400’, and to our pleasant surprise, one NE slope held cold dry snow at 10 AM on 3/17. Snowpit data from a N slope above Shoe Lake at 6400’ at 5 PM on 3/17: +HS 300+ cm +EFC buried 180cm w/ 2 mm facets atop the EFC +ECTP13 with a planar fracture down 40 cm and a broken fracture down 180 cm, atop the EFC. See photos capturing the moment of failure and the surprise evident on my face.