Quick report
Skied laps in Main Gully in Gulf of Slides, digging numerous hand pits on the lookers left side of the ski run. We found 20-30cm thick slabs that released with moderate (a strong tug with one hand) to firm (a two handed yard) force. The slabs tended to release on faceted sugary snow below 4500ft and released on a crust layer above 4500ft. However, this wind board was so firm that there seemed minimal likelihood of propagation (validated by some aggressive jump turns while skiing where the wind board broke apart but didn’t propagate). In the lower part of the gully the slabs were softer and thicker, but firmer and thinner as we ascended. Above 4800ft the snow surface was strongly wind affected with minimal boot penetration. Skiing was fun but variable with breakable crust up high, and sudden transitions between wind board, drifted in powder, and melt/freeze crust. Light snow in the morning and minimal ski traffic kept these varied surfaces hidden until you were on top of them. Winds were quite calm in the Gulf between 1100-1230, by 1300 the wind was transporting snow off Boott Spur in streams.