Variety of Conditions in the Carpenter Ridge Area

A strong inversion last night made for a chilly start and a noticeable rise in temperature as we gained elevation.  Snow conditions in the greater Carpenter Ridge area are predictably variable.  On par with much of the forecast area heavy wind evidence was noticeable on exposed terrain.  Southern aspects were warming and held 1-3" of wet snow at 1100 and pin wheels and point releases were observed in steep terrain by noon.  Crust formation will be likely on any sun exposed aspects.  Settlement cones and tree drip were also observed.  Below treeline sheltered N facing terrain was still holding cold unconsolidated snow.  We dug a test pit on a NW aspect near 8,400' looking for buried surface hoar.  A shovel tilt test revealed a weak layer buried ~25cm.  We found a layer of 6mm partially decomposed surface hoar sitting on top of 1F with 4F above.  A compression test targeting this layer produced a CT25 RP. ECTN result on this same layer. Our second test pit was on a NW aspect near 7,000'.  We identified 2 relatively weak layers in the upper snow pack, buried 20cm down we found surface hoar fragments.  An ECT aimed at these layers produced generally stable results ECTN22.