Cleveland deep powder

<p>Thick undercast at Whitepass that required some motivation to punch above the clouds. Lots of new snow since last weekend, rough estimate would be around 40 to 60 cm near US border but variable due to winds (south, then north, then south, and north again). Strong north wind at lower elevations likely getting funneled through the pass due to incoming outflow winds. Those winds created touchy windslad on cross loaded features and leewards side of rolls (below 1300 m only). We experienced shooting cracks and remotely triggered one small slabs on a steep roll. Once above the undercast winds died down and we found 40cm+ of unconsolidated deep powder, nice treat! Snow depth on the glacier at approximately 1700 m measured at 2m40 with the November 18 rain crust down 130cm (compared to 80 cm last week). Snow is generally right side up and feels reasonable well bonded. Under the fresh new snow some soft to hard windslabs were identified but it was tricky to see them from distance due to the thick undisturbed new snow. We saw a couple very small pockets that had slid below cornices (10 m x 10 m), but otherwise no sign of instability were noted in the alpine today. Would have potentially expected more avalanche activity with all that new snow. As we were finishing our day, northeast winds started to pick up to the moderate range and wind transport was evident (ridges and burying skin track). Surface snow started to gain some cohesion although not yet problematic as end of day Saturday. The presence of wind slab (or not) will be important to monitor in upcoming days. Snowpack is getting fat above 1300 m and good at road elevation.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder, Wind affected, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Windy, Cloudy, Sunny.