East side of the Swan Range -Alpha Beta

We took advantage of the plowed West Side Reservoir Road and took the sleds to the east side of the Swan Range.

• • Recent northerly winds hammered the exposed northerly slopes we traveled in, along with atypical drifts at mid-elevations that were responsible for mandatory sidehilling and exciting sled conditions.
  • Older cornices formed from southwest winds were eroded from the recent northern winds along the ridgelines.
  • We got some minor cracking in very small wind drifts along with small roller balls.
  • Temperatures remained cool despite periods of sun. Winds were calm.
  • We did not get propagating results in our snowpack tests on southern and northern aspects at approximately 6,500 feet.
  • We skied sheltered terrain that consisted of 8 to 12 inches of wind blown snow. The best we could describe it as “bouncy” or “springy” powder.

Isolated cracking in very small wind drifts along the ridgeline.

Pit 1: Southeast aspect at 6500 feet. HS: 185cm. Mid-January Crust down 75cm from surface. Christmas crust down 100 cm from surface. ECTN28 in top 10cm (photo).

Pit 2: Northwest aspect at 6500 feet. HS: 180 cm. 30 cm of new snow, over distinct density change of 0.5 rounding facets. 40 cms of 1mm rounding facets. Mid-January crust 70 cm from surface. Christmas crust down 115cm from surface. ECTX. CT-B (non-planar break).