Healy Pass (almost)

1000: Day started with overcast skies, light to medium winds from the north and temps near -15 degC. S 1-2, lots of blowing snow. 1230: skies cleared to scattered, sun was coming out. Precipitation stopped and calm winds. Temp was -12 1430: few clouds, blue sky and sunlight during a transition. Calm winds and temps near the -12 degC.

At 2100 m there was approximately 10-20 cm of snow in the tree line. Further up (2200) we did a quick dig into a relatively flat opening at tree line on a south aspect. +/- 10 cm of storm snow sits on top a pencil hard MF/rain crust. Below the crust was moist depth hoar to ground. HS was around 50 cm with depth increasing as we “topped out” near 2300 m. The snowpack has a “reverse sandwich” or “opposite Oreo” effect. Soft upper storm snow and lower unconsolidated depth hoar sandwiches a firmer rain crust. The crust is semi-supportive for lighter skiers but breaking trail has a “double step” where the crust supports initially then you step down into the facets. Rinse and repeat. We skied mellow/gentle slopes and got to stretch the legs. No observed activity.