Wind Slabs on Tamarack Peak

8 to 10'' of new low density storm snow at Tamarack Peak today with additional snow through the morning before tapering mid day.  In the morning hours snowfall accumulation was moderate to heavy at times.  Moderate to strong SW winds were transporting snow and creating fragile wind slabs.  Several small natural wind slabs released this morning during the storm off of the East Ridge.  Intentionally triggered wind slabs failed easily with cornice kicks but had limited propagation.

Observations were made in 3 different areas looking for storm slabs and the previously buried near surface facets at 8800', 9200', and 9400' on northerly aspects, in below treeline and near treeline terrain.  Although the buried facet layer is becoming deeper in the snowpack, there still lacks a cohesive slab on top of the weak layer at this point.  Snowpack tests showed limited results with this weak layer as well as informal observations throughout the area.