Zopkios wind effect

On S aspects of Zopkios Feb 03 we observed a melt-freeze crust about 30 cm down, with very low-density powder on top. The near-surface layers of this powder (5 to 15 cm) were forming windslab throughout the day from windy conditions and there were lots of shooting cracks while breaking trail in this near-surface wind-affected snow. Ski quality was mediocre. Better skiing was found on a second lap on the other side of the highway in the N-facing trees below the ridge leading to Needle Peak.