Pre storm observations

We found a relatively quiet snowpack ahead of this evening’s storm, with slabs in the making.

• We observed a few pulses of heavy snowfall interrupting light graupel throughout the day. About 2” of snow accumulated above 5500’; below that it was a rain snow mix. Ridgetop winds gusted to moderate.
• The snow structure from 6,000 and above consists of 6” to 10” of recent snow over small grained facets over a stack of faceted crusts. The new snow was not reactive in stability tests or ski cuts, except in a drifted area near ridge top, which produced a shooting crack. 
• After carefully monitoring the developing slab characteristics in pits and test slopes, we felt comfortable easing out into wind sheltered avalanche terrain that had clean runouts. We expect conditions will change with the arrival of more snow.