Essex Creek

Did a traverse today to get up high and enjoy the sun. Toured up Essex Cr then climbed to  saddle @ 6400' and dropped into Sheep Cr. Climbed Felix Peak (7996') on the divide then exited Sheep Cr.

• No new avalanche activity, but plenty of old from last week - deep/storm/wind slabs, wet loose, mixed.
• Was able to get a closer look at those deep slabs on Cameahwait. Will send in a more detailed ob with pics tomorrow.
• Cold temps, clear skies, and calm to light w/ variable direction winds all day. Finally, a bluebird day!
• Basically no wind transport during the day.
• Sunny aspects were staying cold with dry snow on the surface.
• Saw some very minor shooting cracks (1-2 m long) in the recent shallow (5-25 cm) windslabs but otherwise no signs of instability.
• We skied/tested a lot of wind affected terrain with no results other than mentioned above and some grabby skiing.
• Recent rain crust was breakable up to about 5000'. From there to about 6500' it was supportable. Above 6500' it was pretty much gone.
• Lotsa wind hammered snow at all elevations, especially in Sheep. Best skiing was in the trees, between about 5000-6500'.
• Views were amazing!