Multiple layers of concern at Blue Lakes

Today was windy, overcast, and cool at Blue Lakes. There were several periods of continued snowfall, but not much additional accumulation beyond the 12-16" we observed in the morning. Winds were seen to be moving surface snow, and we saw three recent wind slab avalanches in Polaris Bowl that likely occurred late yesterday or overnight (natural triggers, size D1.5, and poor visibility for photos). However, numerous wind loaded test slopes failed to produce results, even when we stacked tracks from the bottom and worked progressively higher.

Snowpits in different locations, generally north facing and above 8500ft, indicated multiple layers of concern. There was a light crust with facets down 50cm that displayed Sudden Planar results on Compression Tests, but ECTs did not propagate on. I believe the 50cm above the crust was still too unconsolidated to promote propagation. Unfortunately, I was also able to find reactive surface hoar 90cm down, right above a graupel layer. I couldn't trigger it with ECTs, but Deep Tap tests produced Sudden Collapse results on it. Although my test results were on the surface hoar and not on the graupel, the graupel was also concerning.