Snowpit on Relay Peak

November 9 basal facet layer was present at this location. In the pit, fracture propagation tests indicate that fracture propagation is likely on this layer when it fails in compression. Where rocks and logs stick up through the weak layer into the overlying slab of strong snow, failure of ECTs and PSTs do not occur. On the surrounding areas of the slope adjacent to where the pit was dug, spot probing indicates that this layer of concern is fairly disconnected. Greater examination of the sampled slope indicates that failure on the scale of the slope is unlikely despite the indications of snowpit sized samples to the contrary.

General snow surface obs in the area revealed surface melting on southerly aspects up to 9,500' and cold unconsolidated snow lingering on more northerly and easterly aspects.