Today was a beautiful bluebird day with minimal wind. High winds yesterday have really blasted ridgetops and a number of aspects, but sheltered terrain in the right spots has been heavily loaded. Two runs on northeast aspects up high both had excellent snow.
Northeast aspects at high elevations currently have two wind slabs: one that is about two inches deep, consisting of wind loaded snow over the past 24 hours; and the second about two feet deep consisting of storm snow that has fallen over the past week. The two inch slab is quite reactive and suspect spots. The more dangerous two foot slab appears to be bonding nicely to the older snow underneath, although it is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Southerly aspects looked to be heavily wind scoured. However, any slabs on these slopes are sitting on top of a sun crust, and have the potential to be reactive.
Grat is still closed, so the tour into Happo’s BC is about 15 minutes longer than usual. Its probably helping to keep the crowds away, though.
Kaerazu, looking good (always). The highest peaks were still in clouds today, and appeared to have high winds.
Excellent snow on sheltered northeast aspects. This area skied really nice.
A look into the upper half of Happo’s backcountry. Not very filled in yet, but that just makes the terrain look more interesting.
Monkeys still hanging out at a pretty high elevation. They seem to be a rare sight up here in the middle of winter. Maybe it hasn’t gotten too cold up here for them yet.
Normally, this river crossing gets filled in by slides and you can just ski across. Still early.