Balu pass snowpit and 8812 bowl

Went out today to the Balu pass ski resort. At least 25 cars in the parking lot today, but everyone seemed to be nicely spread out when it came time to ski. The last storms snow has consolidated quite a bit nearing treeline and alpine. Probed HS to be 85cm at 2086m NW. We dug down to ground and observed basal facets. Upon the completion of our compression test, we observed CTM 16 (RP) down 11. We continued and received a second result of CTH 23 (SC) down 75. There was notably surface hoar forming in the valley bottom, and some solar radiation midday that began to make the snow quite compact. This didn’t last long though. We continued up to ski 8812 bowl and snow quality was surprisingly good. Further down sharks are still lurking, the area could definitely use a top up of snow on some areas. Ski out is forming up nicely, still the odd gap or rock to watch for.