Observation: Little Cottonwood Canyon

Was able to get an ECTP12 SC on a northwest aspect at 9900', failing in a layer of faceted snow down near the ground. Despite the full propagation, not much energy in the slab (i.e. it didn't "pop" out of the pit) and the general feeling is the weaknesses at the base of our snowpack are currently dormant, but likely to become active again with a sufficient new load.

Thanks to the recent stretch of very warm weather, the top ~10-15 cms (4-6") has crusted and is damp below crusts. This has stiffened up the slab, creating a relatively strong 4F slab on top of weaknesses at the base of the snowpack. Am concerned this stronger slab on top will support greater loads. However, at some point we will likely overload these weaknesses creating possibly larger avalanches.