There are a myriad of weak layers in the backcountry right now, ranging from the persistent weak layers from early December and early February to more recent instabilities, like surface new snow or wind-drifted slabs. While we set out to assess the different weak layers and how well the new snow was bonding, the focus shifted to a large, remotely triggered avalanche off the Reynolds Peak shoulder.

We were able to traverse the ridge and get into the crown to dig a profile. We dug on an east aspect at 9,241'; at this point, the slope was 34 degrees. The avalanche failed on small-grain facets directly above a fragile 4F+ crust, possibly a radiation recrystallization crust. This was interesting, as it was about 15 cm above the stout rain crust interface that formed earlier in February. The avalanche did not appear to have stepped down anywhere but seemed very well connected. This crust has been noted in a few other recent avalanches, particularly at mid and lower elevations and on aspects with a bit of a solar tilt.