Where are the gators?

Traveled to ridge above Picnic Lakes to assess conditions at upper elevations, above the moat.

• 1/17 interface seems to be gaining strength. Buried about 22" below surface. No cracking or collapsing; no propagation in snow profiles on SW or E facing slopes.
• Freezing rain at start of 1/22 storm left a thin rain crust on all aspects to at least 7000 ft elevation. Buried 8-10 inches below surface. No signs shooting cracks or collapses; inconsistent test results. 
• Found debris from natural avalanches that either ran at start of 1/22 storm - possibly triggered by freezing rain - or prior to storm. Southwest aspects, upper elevation.
• Snow in/ below the notch was not wind affected. 
• Very poor visibility limited travel and observations. 

Limited observations in The Moat.

• 1/17 SH/crust buried about 22" below snow surface and still very visible. SH appears to be fragmenting and decomposing, with layer gaining strength.
• No propagation in test on NE-facing slope at 5400 ft (top of moat).