Little Slide Canyon

We took a tour up Little Slide Canyon on 1/16. I wanted to see how much snow was in this area and if there was a wind slab concern in the snowpack. Overall, we found a very shallow and early-season snowpack in this canyon. There was just enough snow to keep the skis on during the approach. I was also surprised to see how wind stripped the Incredible Hulk Couloirs were.  The wind effect was visible across aspects and elevations. The climb up from Robinson Creek was sheltered from the previous wind event.  Near-surface facets were unconsolidated and unaffected by the wind in this narrow elevation band. The snow changed quickly once we reached the first bench at around 8,000 ft.  From 8,000 ft to 10,800 ft, we found mostly firm and wind-swept snow. Sheltered pockets held softer snow on northerly aspects; the snowpack was variable and edgable for uphill travel.  Track tests and hand pits did not produce results. We bootpacked up to Kettle Peak with crampons on and an ice axe at the ready. Topping out above the couliour, the snowpack was wind-pressed in most locations with a boot penetration of approximately 2-6" of depth.  Southern and western aspects warmed during the day and held little snow. 

South faces warmed in the sun, with some signs of old roller balls on the western aspects. Overall snowpack is shallow, and early-season conditions exist in Little Slide Canyon. Surface snow was firm and edgable. No signs of instability were observed where we traveled on the 16th.  Surface Hoar was present in sheltered locations near Robinson Creek.