Frosty faces on feather

<p>We lapped Feather's North glacier today. We took the long route in, avoiding the gully terrain trap, the overhead hazard of Feather's N aspect larger slopes, and lee shallow rocky areas. Wind affect is widespread. However, on the aspects traveled (valley bottom and NE-N) sastrugi tends to be soft rather than hard, and generally skiable/survivable. Sheltered areas on N aspects have been wind loaded (see photo). The recent storm snow on Feather glacier has been sheltered from the wind and skied well. Probing with the pole revealed that it was right side up and consistent density down to 60cm. Ski penetration was ~25cm on the glacier. Light winds shifting between NE and SE, clear skies, and cold alpine temps ~-20C. No recent avalanche activity. 2 size 1.5 crown lines in steep unsupported lee terrain near ridgetop. Likely ran during or soon after last storm. Some shooting cracks in an isolated area at valley bottom. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Mellow slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Steep slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Wind affected, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Sunny.