Time has helped to stabilize our cranky snowpack. Another day with no obvious signs of instability and not much evidence of a natural cycle during the Christmas storm. We stayed away from steep N and E facing slopes but we did venture onto some steep SE aspects after confirming the lack of old October PWL. Pit below is on SE at 9700' where there was bare ground prior to xmas eve.

I found a nice NE facing test slope in the same area to safely locate the poor structure that exists on the shady aspects. I was surprised to see how unreactive the PWL is near the ground. This problem seems to be dormant for now in areas that received the greatest snowfall in the Central Wasatch but with new storms stacked up on the doorstep, all bets are off and avoidance is still the best travel advice. While this pit scored an ECTX, I was able to get the column to fail after 30+ taps. Not very scientific but it does highlight the high consequences if you do find a spot that fails close to the ground.

Extended column test failed after 30+ taps and the block stayed intact. Just information to stick in the back of your hat as new snow piles up onto this questionable structure.