Powder Bowl

The backcountry is full of various surface types and conditions, some more friendly than others. Signs of avalanche danger and unstable snow were not observed. Wet loose activity remains extremely stubborn even on slopes over 40 degrees.

In general, three main types of snow conditions exist: hard, breakable, and softening. The latter can be expected on solar aspects below 10,000 feet, where softening snow is reaching a corn-like consistency. But even then, there’s variability. This is not a true corn cycle because mountain temperatures have not dropped below freezing levels since last Friday, January 9^th. However, residual cooling over the long nights has been enough to harden and resolidify surfaces.

Above 10,000 feet, the majority of terrain (even southerlies) remain hard and slick and requires the use of traction devices (i.e. crampons and ice axe) along with the skills to use them effectively.  

Near and below the treeline, surface conditions can turn from mush to breakable crust in the blink of an eye, so travel cautiously.

A few human-initiated rollerballs