Cornice Ridge Reconnaissance

30-40cm of storm snow from the last week overlies the December 4th rain crust which is up to 15cm thick. We found a layer of freezing rain crust down approximately 25cm. Although we didn't find any, we suspect there is a small layer of surface hoar just below. It was producing easy breaks on hand shears and the occasional moderate result in burp tests directly below the freezing rain crust. We were able to trigger this layer while skinning on a north aspect at treeline. The fracture only traveled about two meters. See the attached photo. As the snow continues to build, the bond to the crust will need to be monitored. At this location the snow was bonded. The crust is so think avalanches are unlikely below it.