Observations from Hidden Peak

Touring on Hidden Peak during the mid day hours we saw wet snow forming on sun exposed E and SE aspects up to about 8,600'. The more direct solar input on SE aspects vs E aspects correlated to the amount of roller balls and pinwheels we were able to intentionally trigger. Ski cuts could produce some very minimal loose wet instability in areas where a test slope was previously undercut and unsupported. All indications were of further developing loose wet instability as the afternoon progresses, especially in areas of direct sun exposure.

Looking at old wind slabs along both sides of the summit ridge in at treeline to above treeline terrain (SW and NE aspects) we saw only ECTN and ECTX results. Surface wind slabs were 1F+ to P hard and the softer rounded snow below it was 4F+ to 1F hard.

A few several day old wind slab avalanches and day old plus loose wet avalanches were visible looking out into Desolation Wilderness. One glide crack was visible.