January 27, 2006, Upper Alpental Basin

Shear and Rutschblock tests between 3500 and 4000 feet showed similar results.  East aspects, sheltered locations in glades, slopes 25-35%.

Easy shovel shear, mobilizing entire new snow pack (20-24") on top of crust, some areas with weak faceting on crust surface.  Accelerated easily on crust, even at low angles.  

R4, again easily mobilizing entire new snow pack (I'll post some photos soon).

Numerous surface sloughs observed over lunch, some propogating as "accordian fans".  Snow from tree branches were starting these events. The additonal foot of snow last night should have loaded these slopes for some big slides over the weekend.  Don't be in one.

We hit the lifts for the afternoon and the powder is fantastic!