Simpson 5 - Kootenay NP - Alarming test result

<p>SEE https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/videos/1045581166000671 for a video of extended column test on Dec 2 Facets on the crust down 80 cm. Another test performed just 75 ft away found the Dec 2 layer not as deep and had compression test easy sudden collapse/drop results. Similar results were found at 1500 m, but we found as we got higher the slab became more stiff and tensile and the facets over the crust were weaker. Explains some of the large propagations observed over the past week. We choose not to ascend the steeper rolls at the top of the feature and stayed on terrain under 30 degrees and away from any terrain connecting to overhead features. Sadly, this interface will be with us for a while. It seems most problematic in wind-exposed or loaded terrain. Lots of recent avalanche activity on features with a N-NE aspect.</p>