The snowpack has undergone some real changes during the most recent heat wave. I dug on a west aspect below treeline and an east aspect below treeline. Both pits showed an overall strengthening of the snowpack, and both pits had evidence of meltwater percolating down below the surface and refreezing. In the east-facing pit, perc tubes were observed in the basal facets 60-90 cm below the snow surface. Both pits showed ECTX, and after testing, I was able to pull out the entire column as one cohesive block in each location. I like what I saw today, but I am still suspicious about slopes at higher elevations. There is no doubt our persistent weak layer problem still exists, but my observations today are a good sign. The next storm is on tap for Thursday into Friday; if this turns out to be a decent loading event, we should learn more about any remaining instability.

Perc tube in the basal facets 60-90 cms below the surface