Observations N of Mount Lola

There is a wide array of snow conditions in the terrain N of Mt Lola.  On a sheltered N aspect at 6,600' rounding surface hoar was present and boot penetration was ~10".  As we gained elevation conditions varied from 2-3" of near surface facets to tree bombed ice spots and wind scour.  The near surface faceting layer was F hard and limited to the first 1-3 inches of the snowpack on Northernly sheltered terrain.   As we moved onto a S facing slope at 8,400' wind and solar effect was obvious and minor snow melt was occurring.  Our ski penetration was ~.5" at 11:30.  Just above 8,400' we transitioned to a NE aspect where hand shears and a shovel tilt test revealed buried surface hoar resting on a 1F crust from our last rain event.  In this area we also found the remnants of an old persistent slab avalanche.  The avalanche was D2R3 and had a crown that was most likely ~4'.