Saint Mary Valley

Quick report

-Hiked and climbed up into the alpine terrain to a high point at about 9600', primarily travelling on westerly aspects. -No snow at the trailhead at 5300', 3-4" snow at ~6000', increasing to 10-15" at ~7000'. -Snowpack at 7000' consisted of 2-6" of powder resting on top of a melt freeze crust with mostly wet grains beneath. -Recent winds had scoured much of the terrain above 7500' down to a very firm icy crust. -1-3' thick wind slabs had formed in leeward pockets. These were unreactive to cuts. -No avalanches or any signs of instability observed. -Skies were mostly, to partly cloudy with no precipitation. Freezing level reached about 7000'. -SSW winds were calm to light below tree line and light to moderate up at the ridge top.