Lundy Cyn, Roadside Attraction - New Snow coverage & stability

Observer: d lewis
Date: Mar 4, 2018, 9:15 PM
Loc: Lundy Cyn, Roadside Attraction 
Lat/Lon:38.0230, -119.2122
Elevation: 9000 f
Aspect: N Angle: 30°
Signs of Instability: Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading
Sky Cover: CLR
Wind Speed: Lightsubjective
Wind Direction: NE
Blowing Snow: None
Snow Depth: 75cm
New Snow Storm:65cm 
Snow Temperature 20cm:-9° C 
Boot Penetration: 50cm

Comments:

Toured above Roadside Attraction to assess new snow coverage and instability. Much of the lower canyon had only thin patches of snow on shaded protected slopes prior this last storm. Currently, the majority of the snowpack (~50cm to 75cm / 20” to 30”) is from this last storm. No significant layering. Test slopes negative other than minor sloughing. Biggest concern is the snow suspended by the low elevation shrubbery, which makes it very punchy, especially near and around shrubs that are near the surface. Makes for slow trail breaking and potential hazard going down. Signs of cross loading from westerly valley winds. Bottom 10 cm early depth hoar (5mm to 10mm) capped by a thin melt freeze crust. No settlement or slides noted at the mouth of the canyon but noted what appears to be a debris field off of Excelsior Mtn (D3-4). Debris partially obscured, likely occurred mid-cycle. On the drive noted 1 wind slab failure in the Sherwins from the top ~150x150',~10,000', NE aspect and 1 thin wind slab failure near Conway Summit 250x150, ~8000', NE aspect 2 Stability Tests: ECTX 0cm CTN 0cm x 3. Coverage is thin and marganally supportive, caution is advised. 

VA Lakes Rd – still closed.