Warm & Windy

Sunday felt very different from Saturday. In exposed terrain, strong winds have scoured the snowpack back to Friday’s zipper crust, creating firm but enjoyable skiing conditions. In steep sheltered terrain, fast, shallow loose avalanches were observed running on this crust during ski cuts. We dug one pit on a treed ridge at approximately 2200 m. Total snow depth was 155 cm. The snowpack is generally strong (1F+) from the surface down to the mid-November crust, which sits about 15 cm above the ground. Facets (1–3 mm) were found immediately above this crust, with a subtle density change. This interface failed sudden planar on a CT30. Thin, rocky areas remain a concern. Steep, sheltered tree skiing felt good and offered the most confidence throughout the day.