Snowpit above "The Office" on San Jauquin Crest

Skinned from Mammoth Main Lodge up to Minaret Vista and then up the ridge line towards Deadman Pass.  At the peak prior to Deadman Pass (after Deadman's) we decided to stop to make observations before decending into The Office.  We noticed recent wind loading on the Northern Aspect: Minimal up high, and a lot of wind loading along the Pass.  Large cornices along Deadman Pass were noted, but no avalanche activity was spotted.  Soft surface snow was 6-12" deep or greater from recent storms and wind loading.

NNE Snow pit test revealed 57cm-63cm snow depth.  No real visible snow layer indications.  Pat tests revealed no shearing or cracks of any kind.  Most of the snow was 4 fingers penetratable.  There was a weak layer 1-2cm thick about 30cm into the snow pack which revealed sugary snow and the persistent weak layer.