Cracking occurred, near treeline, in stiff drifted snow where slabs tapered away from drifts. Above treeline, the deepest snow is concentrated on North and East facing ridge lines, gullies, and couloirs. A few large paths only have continuous cover in the top 1/3. The surface snow texture varies from stiff and smooth to soft with divots of eroded snow. Near treeline, has similar textures and coverage is more inclusive to Northwest, East, and a few sheltered Southeast slopes.

Pikes Peak Massif

Traveled near the top of the old ski area. Took advantage of the road being open to the summit to look at other terrain.

The majority of the snowpack is faceted. Snowpack tests showed propagating results at the surface, stubborn non-propagating results in the upper half, and unreactive near the ground.

Clear skies lead the way to increasing clouds and flurries just after mid-day, temps in mid-20s, Southeast wind mid-20s, G high 30s.
Since the New Year, the snowpack has experienced large temperature swings(above freezing to below zero), strong winds varying in direction, and approx. 6-8 inches of snow.
December was also quite dry with only 10-12 inches falling around the tenth.