Whumpfing and ECTPs on West side Andesite

I toured the west side of Andesite Peak today to check on the reactivity of the Dec 11 PWL on W aspects. Yup, its still there and still reactive. I triggered several whumpfs on both the E and W aspects of Andesite Peak while moving through areas not traveled by others since the last snowfall. The largest collapse I triggered propagated about 50 feet away from me and I was able to observe the snow surface visibly drop in height.

Digging a pit near treeline on the W side, I encountered the expected snowpack structure and snowpit test results indicating ongoing instability. I also triggered a small whumpf while approaching my pit location.

A new melt-freeze crust was on the snow surface following warming yesterday afternoon and refreeze last night. This crust varied in thickness from 1 cm in sun exposed areas down to 2mm thick in shaded areas. This crust was breakable in all areas traveled and where it was thin it did not disrupt skiing.

Some signs of minor recent E wind scouring were apparent on the ridgetop, but not substantial at around 8,100'.