Observations from Ebbetts Pass

+/-18 inches of snow from the last two storms observed in this area, with some small, inconsequential natural loose dry activity on very steep slopes. Limited slab development observed today.

Around Ebbetts Pass proper, a strong crust was observed under the recent snow on all slopes traveled (pic 1). Supportable to foot travel and generally supportable to snowmobile travel. Early stage facets observed above this crust (pic 2), produced clean and planar results on shovel tilts and hand shears. A thick layer of larger facets observed below the crust (pic 3). No slab formation observed within the recent snow, and cutting several steep test slopes produced no results. This new snow/facets/crust/facets structure was observable throughout the Kinney Lakes area, and on the E side of Ebbetts Pass.

Near Folger and Hiram peaks, the crust was not as strong and in many places not present - especially on full shaded slopes. Facets were observable at the same depth, but again, no slab development on top of them.

The exception to a lack of slab development was observed on a few slopes right at ridgetop, both near Ebbetts Pass and Folger/Hiram. (pic 4). Observations were limited to viewing "tiger striping" as pictured, from a distance. By noon, winds had shifted to come from the north, with moderate wind transport observed.