Snow conditions in Negro Canyon

In this lower elevation area (6500 ft - 7800 ft.), 4-8 inches of soft, cold snow existed on most of the slopes (even on the open slopes) that face the northerly half of the compass. On these slopes the some surface hoar remnants existed even though most of these grains were destroyed during the day. Below the surface the top 3-4 inches of snow has started to facet and turn into weak sugar like snow grains. Near the highest ridgelines on slopes more exposed to the wind, the winds had left wind firm wind scoured surfaces on those same aspects. On the W-SW-S-SE aspects a firm sun crust existed on the snow surface. This crust ranged from 1-2 inches thick and was sometimes breakable and sometimes supportable. Layer bonding tests, ski cuts, hand pits and other stabilty tests in this area all showed stable results.