Ophir Peak Observations

We went to Ophir Peak for observations today.  High clouds and SW winds increased throughout the day with mild conditions.  We did not see any blowing snow and there are limited areas for snow available for wind transport, with most windward aspects previously wind scoured and or crusts.  We dug a snowpit to monitor the Jan 22 rain crust and near crust facets that have previously been responsible for much of the deep slab avalanche activity that had occurred.  This layer has continued to gain strength and we did not see any unstable snowpack test results at this location.  Unconsolidated soft snow still exists on wind protected below treeline northerly terrain.  Variable snow surface conditions and wet snow existed on other aspects with more sun exposure.