Tricky surface hoar at the Jewel

Widespread storm slab instabilities at mid-elevations in Jewel Basin today.

• 8" to 12" of storm snow over the well-described 1/17 interface (SH/FC/crusts)  The storm snow produced only localized cracking under foot (up to 5') and false stable results in ECTs and PSTs
• We consistently triggered storm slabs on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, breaking a foot deep and running on the rain crust.  These were failing on some combination of near-surface facets and surface hoar above the rain crust.  The avalanches we triggered ranged from harmless to large enough to bury you (D1 to D2), depending on slope size.  They all were on mid-elevation, northerly or easterly aspects. 
• We observed a few natural storm slabs that ran last night or this morning, same flavor.   One started from a crossloaded upper elevation slope, the others were at mid-elevations, D1.5ish
• The storm continues to under-deliver on snowfall.  Moderate snowfall today (S2) with only 2" of accumulation.  A period of heavy snowfall around sunset (S5). Winds were moderate at ridgetop, light or calm elsewhere. 
• We were targeting instability data so we did some careful ski cutting in steep terrain with smaller consequences.  These instabilities could have been easily avoided by choosing lower angle slopes, which were riding great!