Took advantage of another stellar day of riding out in the Uinta's with sunshine, a few thin clouds, and spring-like temps to boot. Winds were calm for most the day where we traveled, but a few periods of breeziness kicked up around noon and stayed consistent.
I was surprised at the amount of developed surface hoar in protected terrain at treeline. With a stretch of high pressure ahead, the surface will only grow weaker no matter the shape, feathers or squares.
The line in the image above indicates the weakest snow we have buried in our snowpack. In protected areas, below treeline it's not very reactive, and is buried 2-5" beneath the surface. In the windzone, and more exposed terrain, this persistent weak layer is buried around 1' deep under a stiff, dense, wind driven slab that is reactive to our additional weight as a rider.
The riding was on today in cold polar terrain at and above treeline where the old weakening snow surfaces provides recycled, faceted powder.
