Quick report
Today we skied the Banana Couloir on Prospector's Mountain. Below 9,000 feet all surfaces (NE-E-SE-S) became wet with solar influence, and shaded aspects (NE-E) were refreezing on descent. Between 9,000 and 10,000 feet, shaded aspects favoring the northern side of the compass remained dry, while solar aspects favoring the south side of the compass got slightly wet. Above 10,000 feet, substantial wind kept surfaces on all aspects cool, and great bluebird powder skiing was enjoyed. We began noticing density changes in the snowpack at about 10,500 feet, visible pockets of wind drifted snow and isolated minor cracking. Several hand pits dug between 10,500 feet and 11,000 feet confirmed a thickening slab of increasing density and energy with altitude increase. The most wind effect was noticed on the NE aspect (skier's right) of the upper bowl. Ridgetop winds at the Banana summit (11,000+ feet) were very strong, bitter cold and sustained, generally coming from the west. No instabilities were noticed on descent. The skiing from 11,000 feet to 9,000 feet was excellent. Below 9,000 feet was variable. Overall the snowpack appears stable and predictable below 10,000 feet, and is trending towards settled, but perhaps not entirely settled, above.