Quick report
Conditions at Powderhouse are generally consistent with good coverage in most places. There is still a lot of undulating terrain with just buried larger logs and boulders. There's evidence of recent wind on the ridge from the SW and NW. Trees on the ridge are covered with heavier snow/ice then lighter powder snow (see picture). The ski down was very enjoyable with lighter, although not super light, powder down to mid-mountain. Then there's heavier powder down to the bottom.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 32
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- light
- Recent Snowfall
- 16-20
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
There were snow flurries at the start of the tour and then light snow by the end of the tour.
Snowpack
At 7950 feet, new snow 16-20 cm, crust at 44, HS 100 cm. At 8550, new snow 14-18 cm, crusts at 42 cm and 72 cm, HS 95 cm. At 9100 feet, 20 cm new, crusts at 52 cm and 64 cm, HS 95 cm. I did a hand shear test both days at 9100 feet. 42 cm down, there are facets -- somewhat crumpled snowflakes -- buried under a more cohesive layer. I could not budge the layer. However, I could lift it off like a hat and observe the snowflakes below.