We did a quick reconaissance today to the Mt Troy - Showboat area to see how the weak layers are bonding and how the new light snow from the last two days is behaving.

Though we found some low to medium block test values and a fairly reactive, poorly bonded surface layer, extensive slope tests throughout the area by many parties seemed to be producing no slab releases. We saw only small to moderate sized sluffs.

We did see some examples of parties choosing hazardous routes when much lower risk routes were readily available close by. Remember, going straight up or traversing right up heavily loaded 40°+ slopes is generally a poor choice. Look around, a nearby windswept ridge or rib usually offers much easier trailbreaking and lower risk. Stay spread out too, you are especially vulnerable to avalanches when you are climbing.

Surface snow quality was good. But the facets and surface hoar that are forming in this clear weather will bond poorly to new snow, and the weak layers we found that are not reacting in slope tests now are likely to become active again when the next big load or thaw hits.

The weak test results are an indicator that low risk travel procedures should continue to be used, and that there may be some weaker areas. Watch especially for any signs of windloading.

Yet slope tests resulted only in sluffs. It appears that the surface layer is just faceted enough, just low density enough, and just bonded enough for it to not produce slabs at its current loading level. Any wind action or further loading is likely to tip it toward instability.