Quick report
Skinned up a N/NE ridge from Hwy 2 to 6000’. No signs of instability. Snowed on and off throughout the day bringing another 1/2 to 1” of new on top of Saturday’s 2”. Short windows of vis did not show any obvious avalanches on surrounding peaks. Dug a pit at 5800’ on a southerly aspect. HS 170cm, results ECTN22 at 30 cm down on the Dry January junkshow facets with Q2.5 shear quality. Performed a second round of tests 30 cm down with results ECTX down to ground. Stayed cold throughout the day 10-15 deg and new snow was not yet forming a slab. I sampled the new snow’s light airy texture as it hit my face whilst skiing the test slope. My partner could not prevent joyous exaltations whilst rooster tails merrily chased him down the mountain. What was not witnessed was any remnants of crust underfoot. However we paid for our joy with an exit that involved bush-aineering, hiking in winter (unforgiveable), and an extra skin along snowplowed mank along the highway. The moonlight however was lovely.