Driftdance

<p>SW wind hammered recent storm snow into 60cm hard slab on Nov. 10 & /or 11 Observed natural activity on this layer in immediate lee of ridge, north aspect at 1700m likely failed on Nov 10 or 11. Reactivity seems stubborn to ski traffic now with some isolated cracking observed. Protected pow in dense trees and a mix of chalky sift and varying densities of sastrugi in open areas. Nov. 4 rain crust to 1700m was keeping skis off ground initially but seems to have mostly faceted out now. Over 150cm in loaded areas at 1700m and well over 200cm in loaded areas above 2000m. Isolated pockets of surface hoar up to 10mm observed in sheltered locations on Nov. 12. No natural activity observed in the alpine. </p>