Observation Date: 02/18/2020

Route/Location:
Elk meadow

Weather:
snowy!

Wind:
5-15 mph at ridge top

New Snow: 6-12″

Avalanche Activity:
None

Other Comments:
Two ECT tests, depths are from the top of the snow. Snowpack was over 10′ at each.
1. Northeast aspect 7300′
ECTN 15 at 30 cm
ECTN 18 at 35 cm
Soft snow that had not formed a slab above this.
We weren’t able to see what this layer was with the naked eye. It was not near a ridge top so I don’t suspect it was a wind slab.
2. East aspect 8000′ ridge top
ECTN 5 at 25 cm
ECTN 10 at 30 cm
Soft snow that had not formed a slab above this.
ECTN 26 at 50 cm

None of these layers propagated or broke when we pried the column out. Our impression was the deep snowpack was nicely bonded for new snow. We did not find any sensitive wind slabs in two days of riding. We did have a shallow windswept west facing slope at 7500′ crack on us.

Observer: Ian M