Observations from Carpenter Peak

We went out to Carpenter Ridge with hopes of loading the persistent weak layer with large cornice drops to see how the weak layer would react.  We picked this location because we thought we could work safely here without being close to any other user groups in case we did trigger a large avalanche.  We used ropes to cut the cornices and had mixed results overall.  Some of the larger cornices we cut through several times and the cornice would still not release.  We backed off of a couple of the larger cornices that we thought would give us good results due to safety concerns.  We were able to drop 55 gallon drum size blocks down on steep (35-40 degree) northerly  terrain and also a large cornice that was the size of a small smart car with no results on the slope below.  No obvious signs of instabilities were observed.  

Riding and skiing conditions were good.  4 to 8'' of unconsolidated snow exists on top of a supportable base.  Slight sun crusts are forming on solar aspects with tree drippings on many aspects.