Utah Avalanche Center

Second snowpit was on a west facing aspect at 8510'. There were some westerly and southwesterly aspects that had a stiffer melt freeze crust up to 4" thick in places that had direct sunlight yesterday.

Winds moderate gusting to strong west-northwest. Propagation with prying after ECTX on ice pellets (old graupel) and decomposing stellars 70cm (x2) and 142cm from the surface.

Slight density changes in the top 12-16" of the snow surface that broke with no propagation during ECT tests. Snow surface was cold and dry.

Wind-loading at the ridgetops, not at the pit location. Percolation water columns at 143 with rounded crystals surrounding them. Propagation on broken stellars at 165 from ground. If this was a steeper zone or had more wind-loading propagation might have occurred earlier and would be more of a concern.

The thick and soft faceted layer under the thick crust really tells the story of how different things are this winter. Normally this location would be baked and riddled with crusts and not have such a layer of facets. With such a thick, strong crust on top of them, I don't think they are a concern

Steepest was 39 degrees. Flank height skiers right side was 235cm with a crown height of 33cm.