Observations from Carson Pass

A trace of new snow which remained cold, dry and available for wind transport above treeline. Several slopes in the area were observed to hold enough wind transported snow to be of concern to a person in the wrong terrain, but mixed signs of propagation potential were observed. Shooting cracks from skis were limited to undercut or unsupported slopes. Mitt pits and ECTs showed smooth planar failures within wind loaded snow, and at the new/old interface, with 2/4 ECTs showing propagation potential. No other signs of instability within wind loaded snow were observed today.

On near and below treeline terrain above Woods Lake, evidence of previous loose wet instabilities was observed. Today's cool to mild temps, moderate to strong winds, and BKN cloud cover prevented natural or human triggered loose wet instabilities through my departure at 2pm.

Both above and below treeline, the top 20cm of old snow remained in a transitional state between melt and freeze, with wet snow beneath. The majority of slopes traveled upon remained supportive to skis, with localized exceptions below treeline after noon. Above treeline, all slopes remained supportive to skis with occasional ~30cm boot penetration.