Trying to get a handle on the lowest elevation snow before part two of the storm and without getting stuck in the canyons today.

Pit above - dry snow, with 2 distinct weak layers - one near the ground, the other from 50 to 75 cm above the ground. The upper weak layer was loose, probably small facets, and is lacking a slab at the moment. No wind effect here, and not enough weight from the new snow. Would expect sluffing of the new snow with today's continued snowfall, and possibility of slabs breaking on this layer with the additional snow in tomorrow's forecast. Terrain traps and small steep slopes the main issue at this elevation. Suspect this is the layer many of yesterday's slides failed on at higher elevations where wind drifted. Not sure what to think of the basal facets at this elevation, except keep digging to the ground in shallower snowpack areas.

Pit below at 6228" was warm and moist top to bottom. Strikes me as good news - no propagation and once temperatures cool back down, it will be a stronger snow pack. In the mean time, sluffing of the new snow, possibly gouging down into the deeper damp layers. All terrain related - even small wet sluffs can pack some punch on steep slopes or be dangerous if they push you into a creek bed. Snow may take several days to cool as it is getting insulated with new snow.