Due to recent snowfall and strong winds, reactive (yet not sensitive) wind slabs & cracking were observed while breaking trail (photo 1). Winds were prevalent today, especially on upper elevation ridges and open slopes, increasing the wind slab reactivity throughout the day. Lots of new snow available for transport, with small wind drifts and wind effected pockets found in the wider openings within the trees. Best skiing was found on mid elevation wind sheltered slopes.

Started around 7,500' (close to rain-snow line) and did not see any wet activity at that elevation. Areas of rhime/rain & melt/freeze crusts crusts were observed under the new snow within first 1,000 feet of ascent on S-W terrain. Above 7,500' the new snow was dense and full of graupel (photo 2). The dense snow still provided supportable, creamy riding conditions, which became better throughout the day with colder temperatures and 2-4 inches of new snowfall. Occasional melt/freeze crust was felt in areas with wind scoured terrain (photo 3 showcasing the new storm snow on top of said crust). With temperatures predicted to continue dropping over the next couple of days hopefully the rain-snow line will drop back down as well.