Observations from Waterhouse

Found highly variable conditions at Waterhouse Peak this afternoon. Starting at 1pm winds were calm below treeline and light from the west above treeline. The tracest trace of new snow (mostly graupel) existed on the snow surface. On southeast, east, and partially sun exposed northeast aspects there was a thin breakable crust present over soft near surface facets. The open sun exposed SE facing slopes heading down to Hope Valley had not experienced melting as of 2pm and remained mostly firm.

The most enjoyable soft snow was found on near and below treeline terrain (and it was pretty fun). In places the existing skin track was very icey but these areas were easy to avoid by breaking trail is the soft nearby snow. 

Photo 1: Breakable crust on partially shaded NE 8500 foot slope. Some of the very trace new snow is visible on the snow surface as well. 

Photo 2: Limited snow coverage on SE aspect of Waterhouse summit area. 

Photo 3: Open east facing slopes on this ridge featured impressive sasgrugi and scoured surfaces. 

Photo 4: Surface quality became smoother as the slope angle increased on this SE slope. 

Photo 5: Breakable crust on this open SE facing aspect around 9000 feet.