Stunner of a day. Calm wind, clear skies, temps near freezing. Felt much colder in the shade. Net LW radiation loss was apparent. Faceting occurring in low density new snow from last 48 hours on north facing. South facing slopes were damp and a thin crust was noted on these slopes that seems to have developed in the clear period 1/7AM to 1/7PM and has 1-4" of snow from 1/7 PM-1/8 AM. Turning conditions were mostly excellent, but you could easily find the bottom, which was a bit firmer due to the prior more maritime storm (1/5-1/6) snow settling well.

Extensive spatial sampling performed by snowmobiles and timber sleds in terrain observed on all aspects between 8,500-10,000'. No avalanches noted. Powderbird slope testing in upper Mary Ellen produced no results and large open/planar northerly facing slopes were skied without incident

Small to medium sized Wet Loose natural avalanches were noted on steep due south within rock bands.

Photo 1. Upper Mary Ellen Gulch- Old crown (7+ days) below cliff bands near ridge. Notice the shot hole from today's slope testing mission performed by Powderbird with no result.

Photo 2. Pagan Basin where profile was performed. Quite filled in and many rock features and roll overs have disappeared. Many timbersled tracks on slope in areas where you would think you'd trigger a slide, but with no activity.

Photo 3. Wet Loose avalanche in Sugar cliffs 9800' South Facing.