Weather was intermittent snow squalls without significant wind or accumulation. Stuck to W-facing glades at lower angles and found excellent riding conditions. Foot pen ~2.5', ski pen 20 cm. New snow is very low density and without wind effect, at all but the very ridgetop. On this W-WNW aspect at 9000-9800' the much maligned weak layer was nearly absent. Total snow depth was variable from 2-4', but with favorable upright structure. There were trace facets at the ground. Pit for curiosity more than anything; stubborn shovel shear at a density change mid-pack that was poorly planar, then another stubborn failure at the ground. Riding conditions were superb and there was plenty of untouched low-angle terrain. No reason to tempt the dragon.