Quick report
We observed no signs of instability today including recent avalanches, cracking, or collapsing. Good visibility allowed us to see the higher peaks in the Salt (Virginian, Mann) and Wyoming ranges (Gunsight Pass, Deadman) that were devoid of any obvious large avalanche crowns from the last storm cycle. This is a good sign for the weak layers buried in the middle of the snowpack considering the large amount of weight added (over 5" of snow water equivalent since 2/10). Recent snow had been worked over by the strong westerly wind. Most surfaces were wind packed. Sheltered terrain contained dense settled snow. Wind loaded terrain contained stiff slabs that were stubborn in our travels. No activity on small wind loaded test slopes. Lingering wind slabs would be isolated to upper elevations very exposed and complex terrain in this location. Cold temperatures without any wet loose activity. Saw evidence of widespread wet loose avalanches from yesterday in lower elevations of the Hoback Canyon.
Snowpack
No propagation or unstable test results. The layer of concern was facet development above and below the Feb 4 crust (rain/sleet). The facet layer below the crust was generally thicker, and rounding above/below. Feb 6 near surface facet layer was unreactive as well as January 31 layer. The overlying slab above these weak layers is stiff (4F-1F) and varies based on if the terrain has been scoured or loaded by the wind. Some areas were completely bare exposing the brown colored crust.
9800' NE aspect HS: 330cm ECTX Feb 4 crust buried 120cm
9700' NW aspect HS: 220cm ECTX Feb 4 crust buried 40cm
8400' W aspect HS: 175cm ECTX Feb 4 crust buried 60cm Jan 31 crust buried 90cm