Surprise Pass

<p>Left car @ 8:00, -15 C. Easy trial breaking up into the saddle. Past the saddle wind affect becomes quite intense. No ski penetration in places. Open paths felt solid, despite the windslabs. Not hollow, no drumming, no shooting cracks or woomfing. Nothing reactive except for a couple small, shallow cracks below our feet. Small descent into the upper valley is spicy, very stiff snow. No signs of propagation but could change with temperature. Were able to skin all the way up to the col, but not recommended, very hard stiff snow, starting to become slide-y in the sun. Bootpack may be safer. Col is a bit thin. The line itself is very wind affected, pencil firmness at the top. Crusty and thin soft slabs next bit, but actually offered ok skiing, crust easily broken and rode well. About half way it starts to soften, skiers left is better. Coverage good the whole way. No natural activity observed. Winds stayed calm-moderate all day, -10 in the sun, -15 in the shade. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Hard, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Sunny.