Snowpit and photos from the Cliff Lake area

Snowmobile access via South Fork Rd. Road plowed to Buddah Hole area (end of county maintain road). No 4x4 tracks past there! On entire approach up to about the 6,000 foot elevation, a widespread 2-5cm breakable surface crust dominated with very large and deep rain runnels throughout. Surface hoar formed over the past night or two in various locations on all aspects and elevations up to 7,000 feet. Trees and surface of snow experienced riming near and above treeline. Small to large cornices were found along easterly facing aspects of ridgelines. Pit dug on a NNE facing slope, 31 degrees, 6,500 feet. Observed 80cm of new snow above thick rain crust from our 1/8 rain event.Stability tests were able to find a weakness about 25cm down in snowpack at slight density change. Extended column tests could not produce propagation. We had good quality 1 shears, resistant planar, but full slope propagation very unlikely. Steeper slopes produced small loose dry surface sloughs with some sloughing stepping down into layers below, but not enough to pose a serious threat to backcountry riders. Overall danger was perceived as low with right side up snow pack and evidence of several inches of settlement over the past few days, visible from settlement cones around trees. The skiing was superb above 6,000 feet. As one descended below this elevation, rain runnels and a unpleasant crust was found again.