Hankin 171203

Observations from an AST 1 + field day into the Hankin Area. Mod - NW winds were loading and x-loading starting zones and tracks in the "North Bowl" area - this was not forecast today. Visible wind slab formation and transport observed in the alpine. Protected treeline terrain on N asp had excellent , low density powder skiing. We siied a few short pitches to 36 deg.at treeline. A hasty snowpit demonstration showed variable distribution and depth of snowpack of avg 80 cm at 1400m , in the lower treeline. The Nov 23 rain crust is present here down 30cm, giving hard compression results. We had no result with an extended column test. The Oct crust at this elevation is very close to the surface, and within the anchoring of the surface roughness. However, I would expect this to be different into the higher treeline and alpine were this crust is more problematic and well defined. No recent avalanche obs, -8c at treeline, and surface hoar growth below treeline only. We spent most of the day in ATES Challenging terrain, minimizing exposure to overhead startzones that were getting loaded.