Route today was Pole Line Pass -> Cardiff -> Cardiac Ridge -> Return to Alta. Given overnight temps remained above freezing, was not expecting much of a refreeze, but in the early morning solar aspects were firm and supportable. Given the cloud cover, likely was due to wind rather than radiational cooling. Upper elevation north facing aspects were buffed out by the strong winds creating a variety of conditions with widespread stiff windboard, sastrugi, and even some filled in aspects with dense, creamy snow. Overall we were surprised by the moderately decent conditions.

Despite the strong winds from the previous days, we were finding only small pockets of fresh wind slabs. These were shallow - a few cms - and only formed small pockets. They were pencil-hard stiff and would only crack around your skis. It is possible there were a few rogue drifts that were more responsive than we were finding, but if so they would likely only be very isolated. Perhaps biggest concern would be if you got knocked off your feet from a wind slab breaking out on you and you were in steep terrain with consequences such as sliding over rocks or a cliff band.

Our exit out through s-facing aspects was at mid-day and the solar aspects were soft and supportable.

Overall was finding Low hazard conditions today, although it is possible that south aspects became active in the afternoon.

Photo showing an empty Cardiac Bowl buffed out by the winds.

I'm obviously no Mark White .....

In case you have forgotten, Monday February 9, 2015 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Snowflake Bentley!