Morning tour in Cardiff, up to George's and Patterson's Ridge.

Cold temps, clear skies and beautiful conditions. For most of the day, minimal wind effect was noted and recent snow was right side up. One exception was on our way up Patterson's ridge there were sections lower down on the ridgeline that were almost completely scoured (see photo) - interesting to see how even when it isn't that windy overall, certain areas can still get strong local winds and transport.

No cracking/collapsing noted, even when breaking trail. Dug on mid elevation NE facing below the ridgeline in an aspen meadow on Patterson's approach. HS of ~150cm and faceted layer down ~ 95cm. Wasn't able to get any failure in an ECT (ECTX), and when I pried the block off after the test, the main failure plane was actually a graupel layer down ~ 75cm. Seems consistent with forecast that it will likely take a thinner spot or repeater slope to trigger the PWL.