Quick report
Travel in wind-loaded avalanche terrain felt reasonable but required continual assessment due to the uncertainty of wind slab bonding. With the crust below, it was easy to identify areas of deeper or shallower snow and use this in micro-scale route finding when ascending. Riding conditions much improved but could still feel the crust below the new snow in steeper terrain.
None observed other than localized cracking around skis when skinning.Weather
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- previous
- Recent Snowfall
- 15
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Calm conditions even at upper elevations. Passing low and mid level clouds combined with cool temperatures kept warming in check at least until midday
Snowpack
15cm of new snow, right side up in wind-sheltered terrain over 5-10cm frozen crust (previously the wet, old snow surface). Wet or moist melt forms and crusts below. On loaded northerly and easterly aspects, 30cm over the crust with drifts up to 60cm just below ridgeline. Wind slabs were 1F over a 4F layer below and mostly unreactive in testing. The lowest layer of HST was new snow from early in the 12/22 storm that fell at warmer temeperatures. P hardness and well bonded to crust. Windward ridgelines scoured down to crust. Snow surface of small surface hoar and new snow that will continue to facet with clear skies overnight 12/23,
Avalanche
None observed.