Cowboy Ridge - surface hoar and aggressive skin tracks

<p>Skies clear, winds light from SW at ridgetop, Despite midwinter sun not supposed to be packing a punch temps varied from -6 in shaded aspects to -2 in the sun. Possibly higher later in the day as tree bombs were falling on W slopes. Surface hoar growth already pronounced. No secret that Cowboy Ridge (and entire region) has shallow snowpack with normally covered terrain features (fallen snags, creeks) exposed. Enough storm snow on open slopes that you don't really feel crust when skiing until approx 1600m (on E, W and N) slopes. Not to belabour a point but there are quite a few skintracks set mid slope. If you use them be aware that you are exposed to downhill traffic, possible slides/sluff and that terrain features may prevent you from being seen. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Open trees, Sunny slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes.

Snow Conditions

Powder.

Weather Conditions

Sunny.