recent persistent slab and new snow
We looked at the avalanche in Sunlight Basin/Taylor Fork that was triggered by a snowmobiler yesterday. It was 50' wide, 100' vertical, 2-3' deep hard slab with 8-9" new snow on top. Broke on weak facets buried in late January. Dirt layer from Feb 4 was visible 6-8" above weak layer. Bed surface was 3" to 1.5' deep of weak, sugary facets. Slope angle was 38-40+ degrees. 8800', WNW aspect.
We also rode to the northwest end of Carrot Basin near the wilderness boundary and dug a pit. Snow depth was 5-6 feet. We found the buried weak layers 3 feet deep. It broke and propagated with many extra hits after an ECTX.
Snow fell lightly most of the day up high while it was sunny in the parking lot. Wind was light with a few moderate gusts. There was minimal signs of recent wind, but forecast is for wind to increase and there is a lot of light snow to drift into slabs.