Travel was easy, and skis would only penetrate 10" or less. Occasionally, you would sink to your thighs in deeper snow with a weak, faceted base. I was shocked at how just a day could weaken the snow surface. Loud powder (facets) and Surface Hoar littered the landscape.

Bad news: If we have a sustained period of high pressure, the surface snow will become the next likely weak layer. However, do not forget the fragile snow just above the ground. That will become a player once we see enough weight. In either case, we have the wrong setup for the season. We must be patient and practice safe travel once we receive more snow/water weight.