Two Medicine

Quick report

-Hiked and climbed up into the alpine terrain to a high point just over 9200', primarily traveling on northerly aspects. -There was no snowpack until about 7000', but then it quickly deepened above this elevation. Still, coverage was highly variable due to previous wind transport. -With the return of sub-freezing temperatures, the snowpack surface was generally capped by a stout melt-freeze crust that was supportable in boots. Above 9000' this crust thinned and became breakable. - Above 8000', recent wind slabs, 4-8" thick were confined to gullies and bowls sheltered from the wind. These slabs were unreactive to cuts. -No signs of instability and no avalanches observed. -Looking west into the park's interior, the snowpack appeared deeper and more consistent in coverage in the alpine terrain. -Skies were overcast in the early morning with scattered flurries and a trace of new snow. By afternoon skies had become mostly sunny. -Winds were calm, save for the occasional light puff on the ridgetop.