Full Profile: Backside Coyote 1-17-17

 Objective: Full Profile, check for strength of "12-23" weak layer, Stability testing. ECT was conducted - ECTX result but "12-23" failed Q1 with moderate shovel shear pressure after test. Overall rounding is dominant metamorphic process in snowpack. "12-23" layer is observable but has rounded and strengthened since previous obs. While snowpack is still relatively complex with lots of "upside down" sequences, recent warmer temps have moved us closer to a more classic maritime-like stratigraphy.

The snowpack will likely adjust well to the load presented by the forecasted storm, at least at this elevation. Near surface instabilities (storm and wind slabs) will be a concern during and post-storm but deeper instabilities will likely be very stubborn to trigger, especially with skier pressure.