Observations from Blue Lakes

Pic 1: Previous avalanche - see far left of picture. Unknown trigger, but likely a cornice fall. 

Pic 2: One of dozens of test slopes cut today. Several were steeper than this, undercut by previous tracks or otherwise unsupported, and none showed cracking or other signs of instability.

In one mid elevation (8200ft) drainage just off Blue Lakes Rd near Jeff Davis Peak, one whoomph was observed after stepping off stuck machine. I was about 75ft from a creek that would be a classic SH factory, with a distinct depression and sparse trees though sheltered from the wind. Otherwise, no signs of buried surface hoar today, with several quick pits dug to 100cm.

The most recent rain crust was observed to be widespread in this area today, between 20 and 30cm from the surface, with a potential weak layer below. New snow above remained low density and Fist hard until early afternoon, when warm temps and Few skies led to some warming of surface snow and early stage MFcr on sunny aspects. At provided lat/long an ECT failed to propagate and a PST 20/100 (SF) down 20cm on the potential weak layer just under the rain crust. Possibly not enough new slab development above to promote propagation. 

Clear views of several large avalanche paths during the afternoon warming cycle and no signs of avalanches today.