August 13th, 2018

FIELD OBSERVATIONS
The landscape has changed with the last storm. 30-50cm of snow has fallen and the backcountry has a nice new layer of powder snow on it. The Snow continued late on Sunday and was falling at 1cm / hr in the PM. We had easy results on Hand shear and compression tests. CTE4SP@15cm on buried surface hoar. CTM16SP@31cm on buried surface hoar.  CTH24SP@84cm on buried graupel. This  deep result has changed since Friday when it was only collapsing, now its planar shearing. This deep persistent weak layer @84cm could be a concern on steep terrain so be careful on lee to the SW on slopes over 35 deg.
OUTLOOK
There is a large storm due to hit late Tuesday night. This added weight on the snowpack will most likely see natural avalanches on steep loaded terrain as the buried surface hoar will be very touchy.
Stay in simple terrain and steer clear of terrain traps and natural hang fire while skiing and touring. Let this storm cycle move through and enjoy the touring on the weekend.