Supportable snow around Blue Lakes

We rode around Upper and Lower Blue Lakes today, and in mid-elevation trees we found supportable snow with just enough loose, cold snow on the surface to make for an enjoyable day. The snow above the Dec 11th facets was much more consolidated than my last ride in the same areas, and as a result shallow obstacles were less of a concern today. Though still with some caution, lumps and bumps have become things to play ride on instead of things to avoid. Slopes exposed to wind from any direction were firm and textured and did not have good riding conditions. The Dec 11th facets were still obvious every time I stepped off my sled and sunk into them, and aggressive track spins could also reach them.

Pic 1: Tasha digging a profile in shaded and wind sheltered terrain at 7800ft. We were surprised to find 110cm of snow at this relatively low elevation. She could not trigger the Dec 11th facets with an ECT, but a Deep Tap test still showed potential instability with Sudden Collapse results.

Pic 2: Tasha's profile clearly showed the Dec 11th facets at the bottom, the Dec 17th and 25th interfaces located mid-pack, and a crust/facet combo resulting from the rain event on January 4th buried 6 inches from the surface. The crust facet combo was weak but with no slab on top of it. 

Pic 3: Wind exposed terrain was not enticing today.