It was a gift to get into the La Platas after a solid bout of moisture. Found 50cms of supportable, top-shelf schmoo over dirt on south aspects between 11,200-10k and lower density, lightly wind-deposited snow on due E NTL with HST >100cms above roughly 9,500 on E. Detected a density change about 20cm below surface, was un-reactive in areas we skied.

Southern La Platas

Traveled up and down south and east aspects

Skinning up an exposed low-angle ridge line we felt consistent collapses, although no tree-shakers. On due E and a small NE slope we explored found minor cracking in the top layer of new snow, down to the mid-storm density change. We found a low angle NE aspect to inspect what skiing on the N half of the compass might be like. At 11k we dug to assess how the storm snow bonded with the existing snow that have been rotting since the last snow in this area, which may have been years ago. Upon isolating the ECT column we had a Q2 failure and a bit of pop, which was surprising on this 20 degree test slope. Pictures attached.

Off-and-on again snow squalls with periods of sun, negligible accumulations where we were. Even on due south, crisp air temps and a steady westerly kept snow surfaces NTL cool throughout the day.