We did another extra set of AK Blocks and cutback CAK Blocks for our ongoing AK Block research project for a total of seven large blocks today. Those blocks showed good correlation and a pattern of the cutback blocks being harder to release than the non-cutback ones. That result may be counterintuitive, but it seems to happen at least as often as the reverse. It will be interesting when we do the statistical analysis of all our data for the last two seasons this summer.

We found well-developed and still fresh large depth hoar crystals up to 8mm across near the rocks today. Unfortunately, a technical glitch caused us to lose all the photos we took, including some of the depth hoar.

We were able to ride the shallow soft surface layer and found it still relatively dry and good for turns on shaded slopes. Sun-exposed and lower slopes were either slushy or crusty, depending on their radiation balance.

The instability we found Sunday has settled out as forecast, but there may be tender spots persisting in some areas. Backcountry travelers should still take care.

Large slides reaching developed areas are not likely.

Keep an eye out for abrupt thaw, heavy rain, or new snow. Any of these factors will increase the avalanche danger again.