Wind slab = yes, surface hoar = no

Quick, cold, and easy afternoon outing in the Swan:

• Noticed a definite change in weather on the drive. South of Lion Creek was clear with Northerly winds.  North of Lion Creek was overcast with Westerly winds.
• @ 5600' trees trunks were plastered with snow indicating recent Westerly winds.
• Winds were typically calm with moderate gusts from the West
• @ 6000' on a Southerly cross loaded slope we found windslab (4F) up to 6 inches thick.
• Observed blowing snow on nearby peaks above above 6500'
• No obvious signs of instability
• No surface hoar
• Being short on time and warmth we kept it simple by sticking to sheltered slopes less than 30 degrees.