Snow Condition at Guye Peak on 1/12/13

While climbing Guye Peak I dug a snow pit and here are the results.

Pit on Guye Peak at 4900 ft, North facing, 35 deg aspect.
30 cm x 30 cm x 20inches deep

Hand / Layer Test Compression Test
To Depth Hand Test Hand Tap Top 8" Q1 SC
8" 4f Wrist Tap No additional
8.5" I Elbow No additional
12" 1f Arm Next layer 12.5" Q2 PC
12.5" I Shovel 14" Q2 PC
14" 1F
14.5 P
18" 1F

Sat was a bluebird day w/ about 20 deg F. The avy rose was moderate with considerable above 6000 ft. We noticed surface hoar crystals forming on the top layer. There was a thin breakable crust below the top powder layer (3"-8" pow). The crust made it a mixed bag for everyone I ran into skiing that day. I had a buddy in town so we decided to get out an climb Guye since he is not a bc skier.