Observations from Ralston Peak

Toured from Ralston to Echo Peak today examining snow conditions. Booting up from Hwy 50 to the south of Ralston, I found continuous snow at about 8000 feet. Around 8am snow was firm and supportable to skis and with minimal boot penetration at that time. From the summit of Ralston I had good views of Pyramid and neighboring peaks. I could see a few loose wet slides but no crowns. While I was on Ralston previous loose wet activity was present in both the east and west bowls. I descended the NW ridge of Ralston to a lower portion of the bowl and found decent corn conditions but the snow surface had some runnel texture. 

After ascending Echo Peak, I looked back at Ralston and noticed an avalanche that had not been there when I was on the summit earlier. You can find more info here.

Descending Echo Peak, I was later than ideal but since the surface was largely old loose wet debris and rollerballs, the surface remained firm. Lower in Echo Bowl the corn was still enjoyable. 

Photo 1: At 8300 feet on an open south facing slope at 900am surface snow was firm and totally ski and boot supportable, but softer wet snow was present below. 

Photo 2: Looking at the NW bowl of Ralston and previous loose wet activity. 

Photo 3: Possible baby glide cracks emerging from the lower portion of Ralston Bowl. 

Photo 4: Ascending towards Echo Peak around 1015am surface snow was softening so that boot were not always supportable. 

Photo 5: The large cornice just north of Echo Peak proper is dripping, sagging, and terrifying. 

Photo 6: Looking back from Echo at a recent avalanche near Ralston. 

Photo 7: The exit from Echo Peak requires some whitethorn wrangling and dirt walking.