A cloud sandwich

We enjoyed a quick day off ski before the high pressure exits our region.

• Thick soupy conditions in Columbia Falls thinned as we drove east on highway 2. The valley we walked up was devoid of this mess, but frost-covered trees confirmed its recent presence.
• High clouds infiltrated our skies for the first time since November 30. Limited solar input kept temperatures cool and the snow surface frozen on south-facing terrain open to the sky.
• Moderate west winds allowed for light wind transport at ridgeline elevations, but no fresh slabs were observed. 
• Surface hoar, near-surface facets, and soft snow were found in areas sheltered from the wind and sun. 
• The sun crust on southerlies is stout but underlain with facets.
• No recent avalanche activity was observed.