1. Yes it invalidates the count and a new analysis would need to be applied
2. "An ascending triangle is generally considered to be a continuation pattern, meaning that it is usually found amid a period of consolidation within an uptrend, but it may also occur as a *reversal pattern following a prolonged downtrend. Once the breakout occurs, traders tend to aggressively buy the security and send the price higher on high volume."

*Reversal pattern following a prolonged downtrend