Mid elevation mank

Day off ski tour in the Flathead Range. The goal was to get a feel for recent snow accumulations and see if winds gained enough strength to transport any snow. Our observations confirmed the green light forecast. We did not find any wind drifted snow up to our high point of 6200'. 

• No observed shooting cracks, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity. Noted loose wet and loose dry avalanches from previous days. 
• New snow ranged from a trace to 2 inches. Elevation dependant.
• On north aspects at low elevation, we noticed a thin breakable crust down roughly 1 to 2 inches. This crust was not obseved in a pit dug at 5700'.
• On south aspects, new snow shrunk down to .5 to 1 inch quickly with warm temperatures and solar radiation. This new snow is sitting on a robust melt freeze crust. Minor rollerballs were observed coming out of a rocky band at roughly 1 pm. No loose wet avalanches were observed by 2 pm. 
• Skied dry snow from 6200' down to ~5500' on north aspects. Below that elevation snow became moist and made the descent more physically challenging than the ascent. 

We chose to ski moderate to steep slopes with clean runouts. Prior to going into the mountains, we made a decision to ski less consequential terrain given the current stress that is being placed on our hospitals. This steered us away from skiing exposed terrain where a fall or a short ride could have more severe consequences.