Skin Wax

Today we went into the Swan Range to get rained on and feel the wind on our faces. Aside from observing the onset of the next round of precipitation, we wanted to assess wind slab sensitivity and dig around to see if we can find a persistent slab structure. 

• Generally, we found 12 to 15 inches of new and recent snow. Overnight accumulations appeared to be 2 to 4 inches. 
• We triggered multiple small wind slabs on leeward and windward aspects. It was obvious that there were two generations of wind slabs. Today's were reactive, yesterdays were stubborn.
• Elevations up to roughly 6000' held a crust/facet/crust combination. This felt more problematic than higher up where the 12/9 MF crust does not exist. 
• We were surprised to find a degrading and faceting snowpack on a ENE aspect at roughly 6700 feet. The thick melt freeze crust from early November that sits near the ground showed evidence of faceting. It was less of a block of ice, and more of a mixed bag of sugar and burnt cookies. 
• On our descent, at roughly 6000 feet, we began to feel the snow surface become moist. Soon after we noticed rain falling. 

We went out today with terrain steeper than roughly 35 degrees with consequential runouts closed. This opened up a world of worry free riding.