Quick report
(Tour elevations 8600-9250') Signs of Instability - A few old avalanche crowns in alpine around Crystal crag; some new small dry loose avalanches from steep terrain; a few small pinwheels below rocks on steep SE slopes by Hole-in-the-Wall at 2pm Surface Snow – We did not venture above treeline. Below treeline, we found very soft low-density new snow everywhere. Fresh stellars sparkled at us from the surface. Ski penetration was about 6-8”. By 2pm, we began to see some superficial surface melting. Surface snow was moist, even on NE aspect, but did not affect more than a couple inches into the snowpack, Snowpack – Old wind slabs hid under the new snow. When we neared treeline I could feel them underfoot, feeling stiff and hollow. I jumped on a little roll, and it cracked at my feet with a 5’ shooting crack. With a little more push, I pulled away blocks with a 2’ crown. The bed surface was a very smooth and clean interface over firm, dense snow. I did not assess the deeper snowpack or look for PWL’s. Wx – Sunny and surprisingly calm below and near treeline. We did not see blowing snow from higher elevations while we were out. Clouds were building in the early afternoon coming in from the W/SW with occasional gusty winds starting around noon. Despite a brisk start, temps warmed to near freezing by 2pm. The shade still felt a little chilly but the direct sunshine was quite warm.