moderate snow most of the day, westerly, sw winds 15-20 all day and cotton ball visibility above 9000 (see dashboard pic). not a good picture taking or avi looky day. wind has been at work all week, cornices i could see and felt like approaching were sensitive to a stomp, cracked back and broke out 2'-3' deep with big chunks peeling away and starting small soft slabs beneath. i am sure area has been through more that one natural cycle, is reloaded. i can imagine huge cornices that will be sensitive to machine or skiers weight based on what i did see. stomping around as they got bigger, they are upside down and i could punch down to my hip before common sense had me back off. didn't feel like winter gymnastics with refrigerators. could tell wednesday storm snow is wind damaged anywhere it was exposed, even on flats at lower ridgelines. steve felt only the mega-modified machines could be able to get into steeper terrain, so that may keep them safe. not a snow kiting day for sure, skiied more sheltered aspen groves below 9000', hardly could make turns in 20+", had to keep them pointed downhill, couple sluffs on steep breakovers. visibility never improved. last pic a reminder to take your shovel with you to the pit toilet. mf crust we found on interval board found in flats around miller flats trailhead and i would imagine would be prevelant on all east facing terrain that sun could reach. must have formed from sun and warmer temps tuesday?
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