Observation: Empire Pass

Was out on a little walk about in the Empire pass area and dug a micro pit on a NNW aspect at 8900' on the PC ridgeline. The total snow height was 20cm. Observed 3-4mm Depth Hoar 10cm down to the ground (SEE PICS). The upper 10 cm was loose Decomposing fragments that were equally fist hard. And the surface was haboring up to 10mm Surface hoar.

My take away is that in wind sheltered areas there may not be a slab now, but there is about 20cm of weak snow capped with surface hoar sitting on the ground in shady mid elevation slopes. I am keeping this in mind as we head into the weekend with a substantial winter storm on tap.