1 to 1.5 Feet of New Light Density Snow on Tamarack Peak

We found up to 1' of low density storm snow at the Tamarack Lakes Trailhead with 1.5' of storm snow total at the higher elevations in this area.  There was evidence of previous blowing snow and some minor wind slab development in exposed areas from the W winds overnight into this morning.  Winds were on the decrease today with light amounts of blowing snow visible.  Wind slabs were very soft and had minimal cohesion with limited cracking observed while kicking on newly formed cornices and small test slopes.  We dug a test pit at 9200' on an N aspect to look at the bonding between the new snow and old snow interface.  43cm of HST existed at this location on top of previous near surface facets.  Snowpack tests did not show any failures at this interface with this new snow not showing any slab characteristics at this point.  Even in the areas with the most new snow, the low density storm snow had little resistance to hitting the old snow surface while traveling downhill especially in steeper terrain.  A sizable amount of light snow exists for wind transport if the forecasted NE winds tonight and tomorrow occur.