Observation Sub Peak

Quick report

Riding Quality

good

Skied and boot packed up the south ridge of Observation Sub Peak and down the glacier on the North side and back out the col between Observation Sub Peak and Cirque Peak. We did not see any evidence of recent natural slab activity. We did note sloughing from steep north facing terrain that appeared several days old and some significant snowballing on steep solar aspects especially near rocks. The snow generally felt slabby at treeline and in open areas. We experienced a whoomph at treeline (2350m, south aspect). Evidence of strong winds on Saturday were present at the upper reaches of treeline and in the alpine. The weather was beautiful, -2 at 2900m at 1300m with moderate to strong winds at ridge top (minimal snow transport observed during the day on Sunday). Ski quality is great at treeline and below on sheltered non-solar aspects. Snow on the glacier was wind effected, but still skied okay. We spent the day avoiding any slopes over 30°, but did f*#k up and ended up ski cutting a 35° slope with breakable (soft) wind crust on a East/SE aspect at 2800m. We did not have any slab propagate, but needless to say an underwear change was almost in order.