We mainly traveled on and observed upper elevation west-facing slopes. The snowpack in the near-treeline elevation band was variable in terms of snow depth (80-140cms), ski penetration (0-30cms), and instability tests. We had one propagating result from 4 extended column tests (ECTP22 down 60 cms on the December drought layer). Upper elevation west-facing slopes in the above treeline elevation band were scoured with non-existent or thin snow cover. East and northeast-facing slopes looked drifted and cross-loaded and we identified these as the most concerning areas in terms of avalanche potential.

Independence Pass

Snowmobiled to upper Lost Man trailhead and toured to 12,000' on the west side of Twining Peak.

We saw a number of old D1 slab avalanches on mostly northeast and east aspects and one D2 slab avalanche on an east aspect. Due to the wind, the avalanches were hard to pick out with certainty but may be from mid-January.

The snow has been affected by changing wind directions over the last few weeks near and above tree line. East, northeast, and southeast-facing slopes were loaded with snow but all other aspects were scoured or textured with wind patterns including due north-facing slopes and especially prominent features. There are two layers of concern in the snowpack on west-facing slopes. The more recently buried arctic dry spell layer and the well-documented December drought layer. Here in the near-treeline elevation band the arctic dry spell layer was evident and buried about 20cms below the snow surface; however, it appeared to be less weak and worrisome than in more sheltered terrain--see snow profiles.

We found a height of snow from 80cm to 140cm on a west aspect at 12,000'. In the shallower spots on the slope the mid-pack slab was faceting and growing softer (4F). In the slightly deeper areas, the slab was still hard (1F). The bottom 50cm of the snowpack was rounding depth hoar and facets from the long dry spell in December, and we got propagating results in a snowpack test in this layer in one out of four extended column tests. Towards the top of the snowpack there were a few wind crusts, each a few centimeters thick. In between was the loose dry layer of facets that was on the surface during the artic temps over the last few weeks. This layer failed consistently in snowpack tests but is still very close to the surface and did not propagate (ECTNs)

Above tree line on west aspects the snow looked very thin and the coverage was inconsistent.

It was a sunny day, and completely clear with continuous light wind from the north and northwest. Temperatures were in the 20s all day.