Observation: Snowbird periphery

Snowpack on south, high-elevation aspects looks strong. There have been few avalanches (maybe none) on these apects but I should check. Additionally the none of my ECT's propagated. There are some facets buried near the ground on south aspects. It seems they have healed. We dug a few holes as we rotated around the compass torwards east. SE had weaker facets that "sort-of" propagated in ECT's. We couldn't get a due east aspect but I suspect it would have had facets near the ground that propagated cracks with hard force. Of course NE seems to be the bulls eye for the weakest snow with the biggest slab on top.

Surprisingly good snow and ski quality on S aspects due to the cold temps and cold skies. Solar input warming the snow a few inches down while the cold skies keep the surface cold and dry. I worry about faceting near the snow surface but wasn't finding it in widespread areas yet. SE seemed to have some facets forming near the surface. Regardless the skiing was good and it felt good to be in the sun.