The wind-affected slopes had recent avalanche activity, mostly in the relative and destructive size 1 range, though we could not see the larger slopes in the thick fog and snow. We had plenty of shooting cracks, on slopes down to about 35°, as well as in drifts and cornices. There was recent heavy SE windload and drifting, and new snow as well. Though we had only four of the seven signs of instability, they included the most important two: avalanche activity and major shooting cracks.

Slab tests were variably as high as #4 (irregular crumbling on less than half the undermined area) and as low as #1 (clean, all the undermined area). Hand shear tests showed the surface windslab to be weak, and parallel tracks tests consistently cracked and moved. Slope tests resulted in lots of shooting cracks and near-releases.

In our pit tests, all blocks released just under the fresh windslab at 100cm as we approached them. In fact, three of the blocks were swept by a small avalanche that released on that layer as we stepped onto the first block of the set. Three blocks released on the 80cm layer, a suspected buried surface hoar layer that did not show up in the pit wall but has been showing up in shear tests for a week now, as we stepped onto them, and the remaining block released on that layer with the first gentle jump. All blocks also released on the 80cm facet layer, two on an ankle flex, one on the first gentle jump, and one on a second, harder jump.

On the wind-affected slopes, we rated the strength -. the stress -, the energy -, and the structure -, where + indicates a stronger snowpack, - weaker, and ~ neutral. Unlike this last week, when the snowpack was weak but the slabs were so light and shallow that they were harmless, the slabs are now thick and dense.

In sheltered areas, the snow is still light and though weak, it is not yet critical. But the snow level is rising tonight and wetter snow may build sensitive slabs at mid and lower elevations too.

New snow and wind will contribute to an avalanche cycle that appears to have already begun, and any rain to elevation is likely to trigger the previously dry and very weak snowpack. Large slides reaching low elevations are unlikely still, but backcountry travelers should stay off and out from under any large steep slopes.

Caution is in order on any wind-affected slopes, and on any loaded by new wet snow or rain. Steeps are very likely to fracture.

Tree plops also deserve mention as rising temperatures and wind shake loose canopied snow from high branches. We were hit by one on our descent that made us glad to have our helmets on. Free falling from a tall tree, one hard chunk hit the back of Bill's head with enough impact force to snap his jaw shut and leave him woozy for a few moments.