SSV backcountry

The Jan. 6 buried surface hoar layer deserves respect. We had ontinuous settlements all day, all aspects with shooting cracks to 10m+ and activation of tree bombs. Stomped on a few small steep convex slopes and easily triggered releases with remote propagation to other features. Observed naturals to Sz 1 from cornice drops, and saw fresh tracks from what looked like a skier accidental Sz 1 on the backside of standish (nobody caught). That said, the covereage and ski quality was pretty good in sheltered trees (20cm ski pen. Boot pen to ground, HS120cm). Wx temps -5 to -2 in the afternoon, light SW winds btl with strong W in the alpine. Sunny periods with brief convective flurries, trace snow. Nice to be rid of the Siberian temps for the time being. -Kevin