Wet Snow, Cornices, Breakable Crusts, and Cold Snow on Mt. Judah

Wet snow existed on all aspects below 7500 ft. on Mt Judah today. In areas where the slopes were shaded on the northerly aspects a breakable crust existed above drier snow up. This surface transitioned to 2 to 5 cm of cold dry snow resting on top of firm supportable wind packed snow on the shaded slopes above 7800 ft. Observations on these aspects including ski cuts on test slopes and snowpit tests at the crown of an avalanche did not reveal any signs of instabilities and did indicate that the snowpack continues to settle and consolidate. Large overhanging cornices existed above wind loaded slopes in this area at all elevations.

On the more sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects mid-shin deep unsupportable wet sticky snow had formed by 2 pm below 7800 ft. Above that up to 8200 ft. the wet snow had only become ankle to just below boot top deep by that time. Ski cuts on test slopes on these aspects did trigger small roller balls and point releases. 

Photo 1: ECTN 30 at the crown of a wind slab avalanche that likely failed on Monday or Tuesday. This avalanche was on a NE-E facing 38 degree slope at 7700 ft. at 39.29708, -120.31089. More details and photos here.

Photo 2: Mid shin deep wet snow on a S aspect at 2 pm at 7600 ft. 

Photo 3. Large overhanging cornices above Wildflower Ridge.