Quick report
Stayed to trees and ridges primarily with a little stepping out into glades for boot cuff low density snow on east and heavier on west aspects. Wind loading on eastern ridges with slab development. Light 12-16in storm layer with minimal soft slab properties. Several hand shear assessments on up to confirm slight resistance of storm layer on 12/30 solstice and sluff on release, Evident concern w/ 12/30 solstice layer as persistent and unlikely to change soon. More snow in forecast will become concerning. No assessment below solstice layer. Snow quality in Commonwealth deteriorated with sun warming in middle of day and then set towards evening. Maybe 2-4 travelers up Stump, 6 up Gold, and dozen+ up Commonwealth. Beautiful tracks on Red with Commonwealth luge providing swift passage on return. East aspects in Gold presently best snow quality for skiing.