Relay Peak Observations

We went back to the Relay Peak area to compare results we saw 2 days ago on Wednesday during the storm.  We focused on looking at the buried faceted layer near the base of the snowpack and the recent wind slabs and wind loading we received during and after the storm.  We dug snowpits and did multiple snowpack tests near the same areas we found unstable test results and at a slope failure near a creek bed on the buried facet layer.  Near all the same locations, we found the faceted layer has gained strength, compressed, and showed no unstable results with multiple different tests.  Also no whumping, collapsing, or shooting cracks were observed today like they were on Wednesday.  We think that avalanches are unlikely on this faceted layer with these results and the lack of avalanche activity that has occurred.  We also went up to near treeline terrain to look at wind slabs and found no signs of instabilities in these areas.  Sun crusts and wet snow have started developing on E-SE-S aspects throughout the day.

Snow coverage is at around 2 feet of snow on northerly aspects above 8600'.  Sun exposed areas have some snow melt and snow loss occurring.  Early season conditions exist with many rocks, bushes, downed logs/trees throughout this terrain.