Pit on NW shoulder approximately 200' ft from ridge. No obvious signs of instability or recent avalanches noted on this aspect. Approximately 6-8" of new snow in past 2 days above 2,200 ft. Stout rain crust to 2,200 ft from 12/13-15 storm with wet snowpack underneath. Near-surface rain crust becomes breakable 2,200-2,600 ft and disappears by 2,800 ft. Prominent older rain crust 60cm down, but well-bonded to snow above and below. Could not initiate failure on this slope angle.