Donner Peak - Hand Pit Tests

Went on a dawn patrol lap to see if we could ride heart chute. On the way up from snow shed wall, we did several hand pits to evaluate if the persistent weak layer (SH/Graupel mix) was present in the area. In three different locations (all NE facing between 7500-800 ft) along the tour up (including one right above heart chute) we got consistent failure on the SH/Graupel layer. This layer varied in depth from 6-20 inches down the snowpack. The deeper it was the more stubborn it was to pull off. 
 

We did not do a formal CT, ECT, or PST because the results we had were enough to not feel comfortable skiing heart chute. We instead found other aspects that had less connected terrain.