Paget Peak SW Glades

Dug a pit just below the edge of the treeline on the SW slope of Paget Peak. When climbing, any steep open areas were difficult to skin due to the new layer of approx 5cm of snow forming a wind slab that is not bonding to the old crust. Started getting sketched out and decided to dig a pit despite not being out of the treeline. First failure was immediate after one wrist tap, with the surface layer immediately breaking free from the crust. The more serious problem occurred 35cm down after 18 on CT. Very clean break with the entire old layer. Skiing was good, stayed away from any open areas and stuck to the glades. The new snow and lower layer will present a problem for any steep open slopes for some time.