Hilda Ridge

We had the intention today to ski Hilda Ridge. We saw and considered the snow profile that Parks put as a min report yesterday (thank you!), and the depth hoar was terrifying to see (this had an impact on our willingness to take risks today). Once we got to about 2/3rd of the way to the peak, getting to the section that becomes steeper and more exposed, we did a hand shear to help make a decision. At this point we had already heard whumpfing. The hand sheer was very disconcerting. It was on a south facing aspect, and at least a foot deep into the snow pack a plainer broke off very easily. Under the plainer the snow was very sugary for a ways deep (didn't notice how deep it goes). This was enough for us to decide that we weren't willing to take the risk, and decided to turn around. The ski back was wind wrecked, with an unpredictably solid (ish) crust.