Elliot

Multiple sz 1.5-2 avalanches seen on many aspects. Almost no aspect in the alpine terrain seemed to have escaped the wind's scouring. Ski quality got much better just below treeline, with pockets of protected/deposited snow. Surface hoar was starting to grow in isolated pockets below treeline, not found at treeline or in the alpine.

Wind starting to pick up in the afternoon, blowing snow from the east winds visible on all exposed ridges.

Keeping the skills fresh. A column test resulted in a resistant planar 25cm down with moderate effort (CTM14) on firm round crystals, maybe a wind slab? Another result deeper down, resistant planar on the interface between rounds and facets found 100cm down, hard effort (28). Couldn't find any surface hoar or feel a crust. Extended column test propagated across the column with moderate effort (ECTP20).