Of note, the pit results from 8900 feet, NNW showed slight rounding at the two buried weak layer interfaces of concern. The HS for the pit was 90 cm; there was a thin m/f crust at 49 cm with small (.5) rounding facets below the crust. The basal facets were 20 cm thick and they were also showing signs of rounding. Despite these observations, the low altitude of this pit may be not indicating the potential for both mid pack and basal layer potential instabilities at higher elevations on similar aspects ranging from NW through N through E.

As noted, the winds were only in the low end of the light range in areas traveled, yet remote weather stations were indicating much more significant winds in many locations. And, as a result the possibility of localized sensitive wind slabs was very likely at more exposed locations. These were increasing as the day progressed, and with the winds expected to die down on Saturday they may now be buried with the new snow.

The danger rating in the limited areas traveled was Low, yet Moderate appeared to be the overall rating for the day due to the lingering Persistent Weak Layer situation, as well as the possibility of Wind Slab development throughout the day.

For Saturday, Storm Snow Slab avalanches my also be possible as well once the totals begin to hit the possible forecast pops due to the weak lingering interfaces.