Did a couple of quick tests to see what was going on in the new snow.
It seemed the new snow was starting to bond to the old surface (crust) snow at lower elevations ( S aspect, a few hundred feet up from the trail head) by this afternoon. It seems the sugary base that was lingering in this area around New Years has been rounding out, despite it's generally shallow depth.
We did, however, find a reactive layer about 25 cm down from the top of the new surface snow. Shovel tap tests revealed an easily reapeatable Q1 shear on the first or second tap every time- seemed to be a very subtle density change.
We noticed a couple collapses on our route to the ridge, and were subsequently diligent with our clinometer all day. At the ridgetop the snow was much more 'windjacked' and we found a few places were prone to cracking.
The mountains are telling us to take it easy! The snow was almost too deep to turn in, but it was a beautiful day to be in the woods.
I am keeping my eye on wind speed and direction tonight and will be looking out for the big warming trend forecasted tomorrow.
