Salt Creek — South Ridge up to 7700’; Phat Ridge on leeward NNE aspect up to 7850’.

South Ridge— 40 cm new storm snow and wind deposited in E and NE aspects. Deeper pockets of cross loaded snow on N aspects of tree shelter and leeward ridges. Pit dug at 7700’ on 30 degree slope E facing: Storm/wind slab fractured at 3 wrist taps and pulled clean with shovel shear. Two lower crusts at approx 60cm and 100cm depth held in column compaction. But noted lower facets of persistent slab problem; 100cm faceted layer did fracture with shovel shear. No observed cracking or instability on South Ridge. Skied conservatively on main ridge below 30 degrees and line hugging south tree line away from wind load and crusted cap that was observed in the pit. Phat Ridge — SSE Wind intensity increased significantly in second lap. S aspect of Phat developing wind crust. Traveled on slight N side of ridge for wind break. Mild cross loading on NNE side of Phat ridge with increasing deposit depth as you drop further off the ridge to NE. One observed shooting crack through wind slab at 7500’ on a 30 degree test slope E facing. Skied low angle terrain on N side of ridge line. No observed instability on our ski line.

Quick report