Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
Southern aspects were heavily wind affected. Wind slab was observed and stable to travel through. Just soft enough to boot pack through. Transitioned from skins/skis to an a-frame and boots at about 4100’. The next 1200’ were consistent and we plotted a route up the center saddles towards the summit ridge. Around 5100’ on our climb we noticed the wind slab became hollow sounding at which point we slowed our travel to alleviate stress on the surface. This Section was maybe 30 feet of vert and seemed to be isolated as we trended east and the noise ceased.On our descent my partner observed a crack that spread about 2 feet from his crampon. Could be due to repeated stress on the surface but was the only cracking observed. The wind slab made for a challenging descent on steeper aspects but traveled nicely at lower angles. There was also a small slide observed on the craggy east ridge. Loose snow or rocks blown by the wind were most likely the cause. Some sun and a fresh snow might improve conditions but I think that better riding is further up the creek and at northern aspects.