Strong ridge top winds in the Mount Lola area

We went into the greater Mount Lola area today in search of the January 4th weak layer and to assess wind slab development with the forecasted strong SW winds.  We dug four pits in sheltered below treeline terrain on NE, N and NW aspects at elevations ranging from 6,800 -8,200'.  We were able to locate the Jan 4 rain layer at all four sites but it was predictably less pronounced at our highest pit location where rain on snow was limited and short duration.  Compression Tests and Extended Column Tests targeting this layer at all four locations produced CT RP or BRK and ECTN results.  Our pits showed the Jan 4th layer to be cohesive with no present signs of faceting in this area.  

The SW winds were present throughout the day.  In sheltered below treeline terrain winds were generally light to moderate with occasional strong gusts, and these areas still held cold unconsolidated snow.  Ridge top winds howled throughout the day and blowing snow was visible from all prominent ridges and peaks.  There is still ample snow for transport and wind slab development will continue to increase.