Walked up Mill D for a look today. East facing Reynolds consisted of about 20 inches of snow on the verge of being unsupportable, no slab on top, would punch down to the bushes if you turned too hard. Similar conditions on the Nipple, east facing in Buttler Fork but a bit more supportive. No cracking or collapsing in the areas traveled. Quite a bit lower snow amounts in comparison to Cardiff Fork and not much of a slab compared to the wind effected upper portion of Cardiff where I was yesterday. Surface snow is starting to facet and also noted surface hoar in the drainage bottoms and also on some of the slopes. Photos, zipper rime crust that has been exposed by the wind, surface hoar in the drainage bottom, and surface hoar growing on the slopes.

This photo is too show the huge variation in the snow pack from one area to another. Wouldn't have skied Reynolds face, or this run on the Nipple if there was a slab present like in Cardiff. Its good to have an idea of the history of these slopes during the season and poke around the starting zones before diving in to get a sense if there is a slab or not. Finding good and safe skiing is really a thinking mans game this year. Seems like the shallow snow pack areas will rot out completely before we get another good dose of snow. Photo safe skiing with no slab.

I would say considerable anywhere there is a slab on top of the facets ( high N-W-E) moderate in mid elevation sheltered and most south facing slopes.