Carpenter Peak Observations

We went back to a previous observation location from Sunday Dec 27 on Carpenter Ridge where a remotely triggered avalanche occurred on the Dec 11 PWL.  Snowpack tests on the Dec 11 weak layer showed this layer gaining strength and adjusting to its current load.  Concern remains that our next large storm loading event could still cause large avalanches on this persistent weak layer. We did see unstable test results on a faceted layer above a rain crust that formed at the start of the Dec 25 storm.  This layer is buried about 1 foot deep and is thought to be responsible for at least 1 avalanche that occurred on Webber Peak.  The Webber Peak avalanche was a wind slab that showed persistent slab characteristics with very wide propagation failing on this Dec 25 rain crust.  No other signs of instability were observed today.  The upper snowpack has a newly buried surface hoar layer.  With only a couple/few inches of snow on top it is not a current concern, but something to monitor as more storms are forecasted.