Little Dog SW Ridge

Quick report

Skinned and hiked up to the southwest ridge of Little Dog, then turned back at 6700' or just below the scramble route. No avalanches observed. Dug a pit at the treeline around 6000'. Standard column testing yielded a single shift ECTN 24. I actually broke my BCA shovel trying to pull the column out afterwards. Oh well. We saw about a foot of fresh on top of four or five different crusts, each firmer than the last. Unpleasant, constant eastbound winds on the ridge with a few gusts that actually knocked me off my feet. 150lbs + a pack and skis on my back. Wind was mostly whipping up from the Bear Creek drainage. Heavy crossloading and cornices on the west sides of Little Dog's rolling southern features. Observed large east-facing cornices on Elk's south ridge. Skiing down on thin snow and ice left much to be desired. Really great snow in the woods on the way out.