Sun and Wind

Toured in GNP in the Marias Pass vicinity. 

• We observed no recent avalanche activity, no cracking or collapsing, and no other obvious signs of instability. 
• We found no surface hoar because, well, it's mostly (always) windy over there.
• Snow surface was a mixed bag depending on aspect. Melt-freeze crust and chalky hard wind slab exist on most aspects in this region. Protected and shaded high, north aspects held soft, chalky surface snow.
• Saw some wind loading where there was snow to transport on east and northeast aspects just below ridgelines. Avoided those areas.
• We also found old wind slab just below the surface on north aspects that was unreactive to stomping.
• At a mid-elevation wind-loaded east aspect we found a hard slab sitting on top of a facet/melt-freeze crust about 65 cm from the surface. No stability test completed. Just looking for structure.
• Clear skies all day (above inversion from start of tour) with SW winds at 5-15 mph and gusts to 25 mph.