Eddy Mountains - Caldwell Lakes Area

Today I set out into the Eddy Mountains to hunt for wind slabs, specifically on east and south aspects. The FS 17 road is melting out quick, with long stretches of pavement for the first few miles. With plenty of signs of previous wind effect, no reactive wind slabs could be found on any aspect near and below treeline. A calm to light southeasterly wind was experienced on ridge tops, with light amounts of blowing snow. Wind scoured surfaces and textured snow existed near saddles and along open slope faces, with fresh unaffected snow in protected areas on all other aspects. A crust one to four inches down was observed on all aspects but due north. The north face displayed 90 inches (35 cm) of semi cohesive snow above older weaker, decomposing snow with a thin crust at the interface. Massive cornices could be seen looming over ridgelines as far as the eye could see. Partly cloudy skies with brief periods of sun were experienced.  

• Observation Location: Eddy Mountains 
• Elevation: 7,000 Feet 
• Date: 2023.04.05
• Time: 1200
• Observer: E.Falconer
• Sky Conditions:  Scattered (SCT) | Broken (BKN) 
• Current Precipitation: Type - NO
• Air Temperature: 24 °F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 10 in (25cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 12 in (33 cm)
• Wind Direction:  SE 
• Wind Speed: [Calm (C), 0 mi/hr | Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion