Dug a couple hand pits at 6950' and 8000'. Overall structure was a concerning weak layer of basal facets (1-2mm and showing signs of rounding and dampening and at lower elevations with temp gradients conducive to healing) with 50-70cm of snow sitting on top. This layer produced test results at 6950' of CT 18 RP as well as a booming collapse. The snow (slab) on top was made up of various crusts/facet sandwiches at lower elevations and a 1F (base) to F (surface) slab at mid and upper elevations. Some upper elevation slopes in thin areas had a 4F basal facet layer that transitioned into F hard new snow near the surface (possible old snow got blown away before faceting?).
Overall, nice skiing above 6500', but still spooked about this PWL.
Photo 1: temple peak
Photo 2: basal Facets from 6950' pit
photo 3: booming collapse location 7300'
photo 4: wood camp/ divide coverage (did not see any old slides, but did not have a scope with me)
Photo 5: riming of trees above 8300'
Photo 6: representative surface conditions of the westerly slopes around this area