Buckskin Knoll

We found good riding conditions despite the recent warm weather and high traffic volume. About a foot to 18 inches of soft snow over a supportive ,well-settled base, lots of traction. 

We observed no signs of old avalanches despite all of the storm and wind events in the past 2 to 3 weeks. The recent persistent slab avalanches in Smith Fork and Cottonwood reminded me to dig a pit. I found the weak snow, that was the likely culprit in both of those avalanches, down about 3.5 ft. I had no unstable results in the pit at 9,000' on a NE aspect ~30 degrees. There was a stout temperature crust about an inch thick on solar exposures at 9,000 ft which appeared to allow good bonding with the recent 8 in of new snow. Warm conditions are leading to good rates of settlement. Few wind slabs around. If not for the lingering threat of that persistent weak layer in isolated, previously wind affected areas, "generally safe avalanche conditions" would ring true in this area. This layer is keeping some danger in the 1 out of 5 rating.

No signs of instability other than old, minor wet loose from exposed rock outcrops