Tour today was Silver Fork from BCC. Interested in a few things:

- (1) Weaknesses (NSF/SH) in the old snow surface;

- (2) sensitivity in old as well as fresh wind drifts;

- (3) lingering persistent slab issues.

For the most part sun, warm temperatures, and wind have destroyed weak layers at the old snow surface. I was able to still find preserved faceted snow at the old snow surface, but this was only on upper elevation, sheltered northerly aspects. The small amounts of new snow we received today did not bond well to this surface, and would sluff easily on steeper pitches.

Old wind drifts were not sensitive at all, however the winds were sustained enough today to be moving fresh snow at the upper elevations. I was finding some fresh cornice development as well as a few wind pockets 5-10 cms (2-4") that were sensitive. But these were right at the ridge crests.

Overall it seems persistent slab issues have been less of an issue in the Cottonwoods. I dug a pit on a NW aspect at 9000' and at first inspection could not identify the faceted layer. However, several shovel shears could produce moderate to hard shears with Q2 quality down 50-60 cms (20-24") in a thin layer of faceted snow. Compression tests could not produce a fracture (CTN) as well as extended column (ECTX). This tells me this layer is healing, albeit slowly.

Overall Low hazard at lower elevations, and Moderate hazard along upper elevation ridgelines with fresh wind drifts. There remains a Moderate hazard of triggering a persistent slab avalanche, but these seem isolated.

Photos of (1) fresh wind loading, (2) fresh, sensitive wind drifts, and (3) pit.