Paradise

As can often be the case on the volcanoes, it was two different worlds between wind-sheltered and wind-exposed terrain. Snow was much softer in sheltered terrain and made for pleasurable skiing. Overall, less avalanche concerns or flags presented themselves in these areas near the surface. As you moved into exposed terrain, surfaces became much variable, and evidence of the wind was easy to spot. Large drifts, building cornices, textured surfaces, and firm hollow-feeling snow were all experienced. There was enough wind effect on some slopes we had aimed to ski that we changed course and headed for mellower terrain.

Still lots of holes and open creeks despite really nice coverage for this time of year.

Uptrack tests and small test slopes produced cracking and small slabs in the new snow, albeit mostly soft.

There's plenty of new snow out there with subtle interstorm layers and lots of wind-effect. Small column tests and handpits helped highlight some of these subtle failure points. In areas out of the wind, slab character was extremely soft from what I saw today. Weaker snow was found hanging around the 12/7 but didn't produce consistent results.

Snowprofile in the  Back Bowls: NE 5580' had a HS of 244cm. Average HS at the bottom of Golden Gates Bowls was around 200cm