Climbing the canyon I was finding a variety of snow pack structures. The lower portion of the canyon, below 7000 ft, felt cohesive with pole probes. After approaching and climbing above 7000 ft there was a "punchy" crust, which a pole probe could penetrate. As the layer became more widespread a quick hand pit revealed a crust "sandwiched" between two layers of sugary faceted snow, which was easily dug out and scooped with a ski pole powder basket. The rocky cliffs that line many of the ridges of Neffs had released a significant amount of snow since the new snow. Some of the run outs had cleared the recent snow off the previously mentioned crust. Also, small cracks began to develop in the new snow slab as I worked across a more open area. These red flags were more than enough for me to transition and head back down through the trees.

My initial run ended at 7000 ft. Rather than going home with anecdotal observations a proper snow pit to confirm my earlier observations felt appropriate. The compression and extended column tests were alarming. As someone who frequently tours in Neffs these may have been some of the most sensitive conditions I have personally seen. As recorded in the attached Snow Profile a CT #2 and ECPTV both occurred at faceted layer below the new snow slab. Yes slab. This snow is no longer free running slough in many areas of the canyon. The ECT propagated while isolating the column and ran the full 90 cm length quickly. The faceted layer below the crust was not problematic today, but in the perfect storm it could propagate a step lower and result in an even more devastating avalanche.

With the snow pit being in the middle of a tree run I opened up the level app on my iPhone and measured a slope angle of 28 degrees on my planned exit. After one or two turns the slab cracked around my skis and released out in front. It is easy to think "that looks below 30" but I was glad I took the time to measure the slope because the snow was unable to gain momentum and be problematic. Tucking into tighter trees I safely descended to the trailhead. I read these observations on a regular basis and the close call observation from Friday in Neffs absolutely effected my decision making today. Hopefully the information I've provided will help to others to make conservative decisions until things settle, as Friday's observation did for me today.

Attached is a video of many of the details above.