Old Growth Alder

Our party toured to 7600' on Snowshed Mtn. We descended into Essex Creek via a NW aspect. 

• Temps ranged in the mid teens throughout
• Winds were moderate throughout; terrain driven lower down, ridgelines experiencing strong westerly gusts. 
• Leeward terrain harbored windslabs up to 12" thick, although these were relatively soft in most locations (F/4F). These slabs were reactive on the 1/17 interface, but would not propogate large distances. Much harder windslabs existed in choice locations along summits and ridges. 
• On our exit run, we stuck to well anchored, 35*-40* terrain. Wind slabs existed from top-to-bottom in crossloaded locations. These were reactive to ski cuts. 
• The S facing chutes off Essex Mtn had all slid; most debris terminated mid path. These were presumed to be recent storm slab avalanches. 
• One stepdown avalanche, 5200', (akin to the Skiumah ob 1/21) terminated 50 yards above the creek (D2.5). The crown broke near a rock outcropping, estimated 2-3ft. 
• Overall, mid elevations seemed the most unstable.