Utah Avalanche Center

Very loose facets and widely varied slab hardness and depth in the forest

Weaknesses both in the surface hoar on surface and low density snow just beneath; as well 5cm of depth hoar above glacial ice layer.

Myriad weaknesses: surface hoar on surface, weakening df/squares below; facet crust sandwiches and basal depth hoar above "glacial ice layer"

This is nearly due south facing. I was surprised by the snow depth and seeing some of the facets...but this is a cold place, so maybe no surprise.

Step off the sled and you sink to the ground. It's amazing how there's just enough supportability for the sleds to stay on top. ECTX because the snowpack just crumbles beneath the shovel. In this sheltered spot, it's weak but stable. Add wind-loading and it becomes unstable fast.