Travels on Sunday found a variety of snow conditions including blown snow, wind slabs, sun crust, and good ol' boottop power turns. Protected NW facing aspects were the most consistent and enjoyable. Sun crusts and wind buff made for variable skiing on S and SE faces. Within rock-protected alpine terrain, the interface between new (late January?) snowfall and a buffed, compacted base made for tricky skinning and slippery turns. The interface between blown snow and hardpack was unpredictable. Across the area, however, the skiing base is supportive and deep.

Warmer afternoon temperatures released small wet sloughs from overhead rocks and cliffs. No propogation observed.

An avalanche forecast of reduced risk proved to encourage skiers to get into higher and more exposed terrain. Multiple ski parties across Talking Mountain Cirque and Mt. Tuk reached north-facing aspects above treeline. Exposed rockbands and cliffs proved to be navigational challenges for these parties' skiing decents, though it appeared that they all fared ok. Line choice can make the difference between an enjoyable summit mission and disaster.