In the location I dug today the facets were not gaining much strength, meaning they were not wet or moist (cohesionless) and were still fist in hardness. I continue to get full propagation in my snow pits on north-facing slopes in the cottonwoods where old snow was present. It is still very early in our season, and with time and more snow, these crystals will begin to gain strength. For now and the foreseeable future patience is the name of the game, and any slope above 30 degrees on the shady aspects is suspect and off-limits. The good news is we have an out. Avoid that type of terrain and ski solar aspects where no old snow is present or bump down the slope angle and surf the low angle cream on the northerlies.

I did find preserved surface hoar under the foot of fresh snow in a protected zone along the powerline ridge. I believe this issue is very spotty due to pre frontal winds and the sun destroying it. However, I did find it at this location.