Hilda Trees

doug_bodnar , Monday 4th March, 2024 10:51PM

We skied across to the bottom of the skiable north facing slopes and did three test pits in 15degree slope angle older trees. Ski penetration was 20-40 cm often punching through the thin 40cm crust into unsupported facets below. One test slid on the 40cm down crust before I could do the back cut. The second pit slid after 5 hand taps. Under the thin punchy crust at 40cm was another 40 cm of facets right to the ground. I ski every weekend almost always finding something safe. This day we turned around, skied back to the car, and headed home. The top layer of the snowpack could gain strength in the coming weeks but it will be a while.