Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

Dug 100 feet below summit, in wide NNW couloir. Pre-season (summer/fall) storm dropped 3-5' of snow over last week, came in warm and dense with strong wind, bonded well. Have observed widespread 10-20cm rain/melt crust on ground that formed at start of storm. This layer is moist in some pits and well bonded to warm/moist snow above. No sign of collapse (or shear). Main concern is fresh wind load.