Ophir Peak

Today, we found variable snow and weather conditions at Ophir Peak. The air felt warm and damp, but light snow fell during our tour. It was overcast, but occasionally, the sun barely poked through the clouds. The snow did not accumulate, but the warmth and short sun bursts created wet snow on many slopes, especially below 8500 ft. Ski kicks on small, steep test slopes produced roller balls, pinwheels, and sluffs of wet loose snow. 

The winds remained gusty today, and we saw some blowing snow along the ridges. This blowing snow deposited near the ridges and formed very small and shallow (less than 3 inches deep) pockets of dense wind-blown snow. Previous winds had also left inconsistent wind-affected snow surfaces in open areas and at upper elevations. These ranged from breakable wind-packed snow to firm wind buff. Ski kicks and cuts on wind-loaded test slopes did not produce any signs of instability. 

Some cold, soft snow still lingered on steep N aspects above 8500 ft in areas sheltered from the winds.