Didn't look at the snow to assess stability too much. Mostly deep in the trees today.

Looked at the snowpack on a NNW aspect and SSE aspect at about 9600'. In both places snow depths were just over a meter (3.3 feet).

On the NNW aspect, I was surprised to find a stripe of surface hoar about a foot above the ground that propagated a crack in an extended column test after 16 taps (ECTP16). Don't think surface hoar is a widespread problem. But worth knowing its lurking. If you get on any steep slopes while boondocking make sure to avoid terrain traps and make sure your partner is watching you. It's easy to get separated.

On the SSE facing slope the facets at the ground broke and propagated a crack after 22 taps (ECTP22). I'm still nervous about these facets near the ground. Triggering a slide is getting harder but still definitely possible. Great riding in the trees and meadows. I'd still avoid Avalanche terrain especially any big open slope above or near treeline.

Photo of the snow on a south aspect breaking at the ground in a stability test. Second photo - scooping out the weak sugary snow at the ground. (Photo: N. Reedy)

Photo of surface hoar crystals. Surface hoar is frozen dew that forms on the snow surface. It is notorious for surprising people with avalanches because it can be pockety in its distribution and very weak. Notice the crystals are flat like potato chips and probably weaker. (Photo: N Reedy)