Blacksmith Ridge

Loose surface snow from this past week's intermittent snowfall was sluffing easily on steep east facing pitches & rolls, SE side of ridge, as morning sun made a presence through the overcast. Early Feb crust supportive but annoying. Two parties seen headed for Purple Knob. Traverse from ridge into dogleg still too thin ... P-tex candle comes out tomorrow.... Recent dry loose from top of sub-peak above the dogleg ran a surprising distance on early Feb crust. Debris was quite soft. Drop-a-knee and pray for snow.