Thin weak snowpack in the Apgars

Traveled to the Apgar Range to assess snowpack conditions in west-central Glacier Park.

• Thin snowpack below 5000' (<8") with 16-20" at upper elevation sheltered locations.
• Friday's storm deposited up to 4" of relatively dense (10+%) snow on a variety of surfaces.  These include sun crusts on solar aspects, well-preserved facets in sheltered locations and windboard on exposed upper elevation slopes.
• A 4-6" layer of buried facets is responsible for an upside-down snowpack. 
• Surface cracking beneath my skis was common in areas with a surface crust or soft slab. No shooting cracks observed.
• Recent moderate east winds have eroded ridgetop cornices and scoured east facing slopes.
• Exposed brush on all aspects is currently limiting avalanche potential. No signs of recent avalanche activity.