White River Canyon/ Mt. Hood Meadows

All aspects we traveled on, including more shaded aspects, below 8000 ft have been in a melt-freeze cycle.  As a result, we found good corn skiing on S-SE aspects of the White River through late morning as the crust gave away to quality February corn. While there was evidence of older wet loose avalanches and cornice failures in the White River, the overnight refreeze kept the upper snowpack fairly supportable and wet-loose avalanche activity at bay during our tour.  Ski cuts didn't produce much activity on steeper moraines during the late morning above 5500 ft. We didn't travel much below 5500 ft, but this is where the snowpack started feeling a little sloppier and less supportable. 

Today was also a good reminder that the January drought left its mark on the south side of Hood. The snowpack is very aspect-dependent at this point. West aspects and previsoly scoured features are now bare with talus slopes, while east and north aspects have a more usable snowpack. The White River Glacier is still showing open or thinly bridged crevasses, and canyon bottoms are often littered with small rocks and open creeks. The mountain is really showing its sharp teeth this season with the dry winter, but with careful timing and aspect, enjoyable travel can be found.