We toured up N facing terrain in the Apgars, cautiously optimistic that the low-angle terrain and lower elevations would allow us to manage the lurking monsters in the snowpack. We were surprised by the absence of wind throughout the day. The new storm snow totaled about 5", with no wind effect or wind transport happening, even on the ridge. We had no whoomphing, and no cracking under our skis, and observed no consolidation of the new storm snow while stomping on small test slopes, or while skiing. Dug a pit at about 5400'. The ice crust is about 40cm deep, and very prominent, 3cm of ice, with facets above and below. Much of what makes up the snowpack below that is airy sugar. ECTP14 on the facets just above the ice crust. This prompted us to bust out the inclinometer, and shift our planned exit to mirror our ascent route, on a treeed slope that maxed out at 28*, from a high point of 5600'. The clouds parted late in the day, making for beautiful views of the surrounding peaks while slogging out the Camas road on snow just a bit too cold to glide.
