Observation: Patsy Marly

Went for a tour up to Patsey Marley from Twin Lakes Pass this morning. On a North facing slope at 10,400' the height of this week's new low-density snow was about 6", which was sitting atop a thick, slick crust (see photo). I imagine one could get this new snow to sluff off on steeper slopes, and a couple dry-loose slides were visible throughout the day. Below the crust lied 48 cm of 4F snow, with the bottom 34 cm being slightly less hard (4F-) and having larger grains. Main concern for the day was definitely low-tide conditions. While some good turns are being found up high in the shade, coverage can change drastically with every passing turn. Still plenty of rocks out there.

Coverage and quality of turns are improving on higher elevation shady slopes, but not enough to warrant worry-free turns.