SW facing pit at 11200'. Consolidating into a dense mass of snow with evedence of tunneling at the base of the snowpack from snowmelt. One layer of concern is just below the upper most melt/freeze crust that sits on top of the storm from this past weekend. There is weak snow below this crust. However, both of the knife hard crusts on this SW aspect are very hard and require some work to break though with a shovel and probe. Did not perform any stability tests today.
A variety of snow surfaces you may encounter near, at and above treeline. Very hard windblown snow at ridge tops and on W/NW aspects, a breakable and somewhat soft wind board on leeward sides of ridges from the previous W/NW wind. And, melt/freeze crusty that formed today on a SW aspect in an area that was in the sun and then went into shade from trees.
While looking beautiful, big East facing terrain I am avoiding being on or below in run out zones.
Impressive looking snow totals in the trees at 10500'.
Great conditions and beautiful views in the mountains nearing the end of march before a major warming trend.
