Help emergency! Can I save this levain or do I have to start over?

Profile picture for user debbahs

I built a levain yesterday for a pain de lavain (Hamelman) I wanted to bake today (for houseguests!). I knew it would have to sit for about 6 hours longer than it should so I did what Hamelman said and added 2% salt to slow the process - but I added the 2% for the entire recipe not for the levain! It hasn't budged in 16 hours. I have a house full of people who think they are getting fresh sourdough bread today!

Can I use this and just increase the bulk ferment time a bit or are we without bread today?

The whole 2% salt in just the Levain?

The yeast is probably caput. Only way to proceed now is to carry on as a yeasted loaf. And don't add anymore salt!