Various layers of faceted snow grains were observed below the new snow from the two precipitation events this week. Perhaps most concerning was not any results from our pit (although it showed a number of red flags as well) but the collapsing experience with nearly every step while skinning. While no resounding "whumphs" were heard and cracking was limited to 2-4' from loading, this is likely a function of the current strength of the slab overlying the persistent weak layer. I would assume with additional loading from wind and snow in the coming day, this slab will gain strength and become increasingly well connected between non-planar terrain features and across larger distances.

Some patches of textured snow surface were observed although we were below treeline and cannot speak to the more significant winds at higher elevations. That said, the slab overlying the PWL with these wind deposits seemed to produce cracks roughly twice as long as areas less affected by wind.