Mammoth Area - Silly deep doesn't come easy

I decided to take a break from shoveling and got out for a short walk on skis in the Mammoth area.  I didn't have to go far to see signs of instability. (which is good because I couldn't make it very far)

• Collapsing within the new snow was observed on steep test slopes.   
  
  • Fractures were breaking within the new snow  about 40-60+ cm deep 
  • I initiated failures directly and remotely.
• The ski pen was waist-deep at times, and wind stiffened surface snow made for a slightly upside-down snowpack. 
• Moving on skis, even the fat skis, felt more like a wrestling match than a pleasant Christmas-day stroll. 
• Deep snow immersion is a real risk right now. Keep an eye on your friends, loved ones, and pets.

Colapsing and cracking were observed within the new snow on steep test slopes below treeline. I initiated these by direct action as well as from a distance of 50 ft or so while approaching the slopes.