Quick report
P1: A range of snow surfaces defined by wind and transport as well as previous melt-freeze.
P2: Beautiful little spines behind sheltering objects
P3: Riding through the whole 6" of new snow, down onto old surfaces
P4: Riding conditions, plenty of area to go around
Was a treat to bump into so many familiar faces!
Snowpack
The previous storm snow from earlier in the week has stiffened and crusted underneath creating a trustworthy, if slightly punchy, travel surface that was supportable at speed. New snow from this storm is characterized by slightly higher density snow from early on, maybe 4" of 4F density, and very low density snow from later in the storm (2" of F). The layer of 4F snow shows widespread wind affect and has clearly been moved around into pillows that could be hazardous at speed or during low light, even in more protected locations. The lighter density snow from later in the storm shows less of these characteristics and fell more "straight down", covering the terrain more homogeneously. Overall, a nice reset with confidence inspiring coverage, though access from the trailhead is still touch and go especially without a groom in quite some time.