Paddy Pow Pow

Fun tour in the powder valley/paddy peak area. From highway to 850m there is a rain crust that is semi-supportive at 750m, deteriorating to a 'zipper' crust by 850m. From there to 1350m the snow is excellent, with minimal signs of wind affect, and a foot pen of up to 60cm. Skiing and riding at these elevations was excellent. There is evidence of at least one sz1 from the previous cycle. Overhead hazard included rapid cornice development just above this elevation. Beyond 1350m strong Southwest winds have, and continue to, redistribute plentiful loose snow, and build substantial cornices. Surface conditions are a mix of scouring to ground, windslabs, and exposed crusts. Whumpfing plentiful. Most notably we observed a recent cornice failure that had pulled a size 3 slab running at, or near ground. More information in the separate post. Great walk, some good skiing and sledding. Alpine travel remains easy, heads up on the hazards.