Blue Lakes

We saw evidence of multiple natural cornice triggered slides on northeast aspects in the D1 to D2 range and running up to R2. The terrain was above treeline under cornices and on steeper northeast slopes with a starting zone between 8500 and 9200ft.  The most likely occured during the rain event early this week or shortly after. Warm temperatures affected the surface snow wetness as the day progressed. Extremely defined runnels were apparent on all steep slopes regardless of aspect and a scalloped pattern showed evidence of the rain on lower angle slopes. Snow creep and horizontal cracks were starting to form on some steeper rocky faces.   There was a hint of a weak and superficial refreeze due to radiation cooling. Surface snow was weak unconsolidated and moist. 

Riding conditions were heavy but supportable for snowmobiling.  Snowboarding was sticky but supportable with a 10 or 15 cm of surface melt.

Every creek possible was running and peeking out from under the snowpack. The West Carson and Faith Meadow Creek are full to the brim or close to it. There were a lot of snow bridges that have collapsed and few left. The ones that are left we crossed with caution, suspicion, and eyes on. 

I dug a snowpit at 8150ft on a north aspect close to the slide reported last week near Cow Meadow. The goal was to take a look at the Feb 10 PWL post rainstorm. This layer was 62 cm down and under a 3 cm crust.  CTH SP x3 (It even popped out a few centimeters) The facets were 4 F and rounding. Two PST's on this same layer were 95/100end on bot. We got no noteable ECT results. The surface snow was unconsolidated and the minor refreeze was in the top 7 cm of snow and still holding on the norths at noon. It was very easy to punch through, yet too weak to be an actual breakable crust. Boot penetration was an average of 25 cm and increased slighlty by the end of the day.  Snow heights were 140-230cm.