We've dug three pits in this area this season prior to today and although the snow structure is the same, this is the first time we've seen so much avalanche activity and corresponding sensitivity in stability test. Prior pit results often failed on facets between various mid-pack facets (before late Nov snow, and before this most recent series of storms). Today we had pit results at the ground for the first time, which made me think about research showing how PWLs will re-awaken as they adjust to new loads. These results are also consistent with many of the avalanches we saw that ran to the ground.

In many places wind would create hollow slabs which you'd break through into the facets. At times this made for awkward skiing.