Quick report
Mt Hood south climb route to 9,000ft on skis. Started at 0745, arrived at Top of Palmer at 0900, then continued towards Zigzag to 9000ft. The surface consisted of a rain crust from 6000ft to about 8300ft overlying wet and then moist snow. Above that elevation, a rime crust formed on the surface and seemed to be present all the way to the summit (blue hue visible on upper slopes). Ski crampons were needed above 8500ft. The surface was generally smooth, free of sastrugis and very firm. Definitely a “crust of fear situation”. Rain tunnels were present on the Zigzag below 8300ft. By late morning, some good skiing on a softening rain crust could be enjoyed below 8000ft down to treeline on south aspects. East aspects of gullies such as the Little Zigzag were wind loaded and that snow had become wet by 1pm. Cornices were small. We crossed with care, triggering small wet releases with ski cuts.