Skied a sheltered southern aspect at 6800' today. Got a late start due to the cold, and enjoyed some mid-day sunshine, though the clouds came back in by 3pm. We found about 10" of new storm snow on top of a crust. No cracking, whoomphing, or slabby behavior by the new snow in hand-pits. Minimal wind effect was noted on the very top of the ridge, and none at all below, even in the more open terrain. The new snow remained light and unconsolidated, though that will likely change as things warm over the next few days. We experienced some sloughing, but didn't ski anything steep enough for it to have an impact. Overall, a lovely, benign, cold day out. Given the winds last night, I was grateful to be in calm conditions, and pleased that our effort to seek sheltered terrain was rewarded by light and fluffy, non-wind-affected snow.
