Obs from Silver Peak

Instabilities were as forecasted today in the Silver Peak zone with wind slab problems observed on the windward side of ridges. Small cornice drops (photo#1) resulted in thin, surface slabs failing, and a skier on a test slope was able to trigger a ~12" slab failure (photo#2). 

The sheltered Norths had unconsolidated cold snow all day and no signs of instabilities were observed in the elevation bands we traveled in (6,200'-8400', terrain up to 35*) but any and all aspects exposed to the intense March sun have already started to crust over. Two+ inches of melt had occurred on the surface of the S-SW aspects @7500" and the refreeze was rapidly grabbing hold as of 4PM today.  Most aspects and elevations are showing signs of settlement in the recent storm snow.