Rimed and not quite windy

Temperatures in the mid teens with South winds 10mph at 6,800 ft. We observed a heavy rime layer on top of 3" of new low density snow at mid and upper elevations. The rime layer appeared to be protecting the new light density snow from being transported by light winds. Cornice drops on small test slopes produced only minor sluffing and were difficult to trigger due to a wind firm layer below the newly deposited snow. HS @ 6,700 ft ~50". On a south aspect @6,700 ft we found a strong mid- snowpack averaging 30" deep (1F/P hardness) on top of weak facets to the ground. Tests results showed no propagation (ECTN 22), CT20 on soft wind slab interface down 10cm, and CT21 SC on the facets 30-40cm above the ground.