Quick report
We rode in the Southern Wellsville Range today around 7000 feet. There have been some major winds along the ridges and on subridges (see pic 1). However, we found excellent recrystallized riding, or “loud powder” in protected North facing slopes (Pic 2). There is a significant layer of surface hoar, and with the storm coming in soon, that could lead to some interesting avalanche conditions next week. There was evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle after last weekend’s storm (Pic 3). We noticed cracks very far back from the edge on many cornices that cracked but didn’t not result in an avalanche last weekend (Pic 4). We not see any recent avalanche activity other than wet slides on South facing slopes. And there were a few small wind slabs that cracked on us on the ridgelines, but all were pretty insignificant.
Yesterday we rode in the East Foothills and also found great riding conditions (see pic 5). However at these lower elevations the cold weather has completely faceted the snowpack and you could easily stick a ski pole to the ground. With very much of a load with new snow, the faceted layer could easily get overloaded and lead to widespread avalanche cycle on steeper slopes.