Government Peak

Took advantage of our increased afternoon light for a late start towards Government Peak. I was looking for lingering wind slabs that might have formed during periods of strong winds over the last week and a half. Between 4068' and Government Peak, conditions on the ridgeline were variable with evidence of previous wind effect. Surfaces were mostly eroded but ranged from exposed crusts to stiff drifted snow. From the summit of Government, nice afternoon light beckoned for a lap down the SW spur but a long return and some workable light encouraged a return via the NE face and Seldom Seen. Between the summit and about 3500' surfaces were a mix of loose facets and firm wind board. Ribbons of windboard were smooth and edgeable with the occasional dinner-plating skin breaking away during jump turns. Lower on the slope as the angle eased hop turns transitioned to open slarves but the surface remained consistent and supportable. I encountered the softest snow on E/ NE aspects of Halibut Tail while climbing back to the col between HT and 4068'. Surface faceting of some previously drifted slopes made for the classic orange-peel texture and it looked like a few skiers had made the most of this aspect for some soft turns. A few turns near the Women's Run and a long gliding traverse made for an easy return to the Fishhook Lot. Overall pretty fast and easy travel out there right now. 

Only surface observations today. I was looking for lingering wind slabs formed by periods of moderate to strong winds over the last week and a half. While I encountered evidence of previous transport, on the slope conditions were mostly stable, with only isolated areas where a thin wind-skin broke into small pieces between turns. These areas provided no real hazard even in steeper terrain and overall lacked any continuity across the slope.