Snowpit at Echo Lakes

I revisited a pit location from 3/2 to check on the snowpack and monitor how it has changed in the 10 plus days since then. While the lingering January facet/crust combo is still present, these layers have gained strength since then and are generally less distinct than they were on 3/2. On 3/2, I had multiple ECTPs and none today. On 3/2, I had a PCT 18/100 END and today it was 80/100 END. In this location today, the weakest snow was just below the surface melt freeze crust. 

South facing slopes were softening by 10am. 

The Echo Lakes road has minimal snow on it and is a magnet for stuck cars. There were two stuck cars when I left and evidence of many more previous stuck cars. The branches used for traction and then left behind as well as the signficant holes are a minor hazard to be aware of when skiing along the road. 

Photo 1: Hand hardness. 

Photo 2: Sun exposed south facing areas along the Becker ridge are melting quickly. While travelling on skis is still possible on sunny slopes in this area there are now large areas of bare ground and many down trees that require some creative zigging and zagging to avoid.