TJ Bowl area; ECTN30 on basal facets. I found variable snow depths above Crystal Lake ranging from 24 to 50 inches with facet layers from 8" to 30 inches. Some surface instabiity reported as near surface crusts failed in compression tests on small facets under the recent crust.
Near surface faceting is widespread above treeline due to localized temperature gradients caused by fluctuations of air temperature and solar radiation.
Observations over the last two days show rounding facets and depth hoar in response to the decreasing temperatrue gradient. Coarse depth hoar and facets may appear moist as they round because of the smooth glassy appearance of the grains, however, the grains are not "moist" unless teh temperature of the snow is 0 C and the snow has a distinct tendency to stick together. Photographs are taken from the International Classification for Seasonal Snow on the Ground.

