Quartz Ridge/Hill reconnaissance

<p>Lowering cloud cover, reduced visibility and flat light on the ridgeline prevented us from skiing the main N/NE faces. From the flats a size 1 natural, cornice 10m wide, 60m long on the upper slope of quartz hill was visible before reduced visibility allowed a closer look. Appeared on the leeward side of the main SW winds. Snow coverage on ridgetop was soft with light wind slab forming from new storm snow, seems to be sticking to the ridge with moderate winds allowing good coverage for moving up and some light turns down. At the intersection of Alpine/Treeline elevations West aspect had 10-15cm fist snow overlying a 2cm supportive 4F-1F crust at an average of 30cm depth. However underneath is entirely faceted to ground. Seems to be isolated to areas of thin snowpack and convex rolls. average snow depth in these areas 80cm-100cm. On North aspect 8-10cm fist overlying a 2cm crust again 30cm down, heavier skiers may punch through this less supportive crust however snow is well bonded underneath with higher density, average depth greater than 120cm.</p>

Weather Report

<p>Light precipitation S-1 leading to S1 beginning early afternoon, with lowering Stratus cloud cover throughout the day. Overcast but only a thin layer, wind was light at tree line but increased to moderate gusting to strong on ridgetop with moderate Windchill. Predominant winds from SW.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Mellow slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Steep slopes.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cloudy, Cold, Foggy.