Deep Creek Observations

We were looking for protected below treeline terrain today to take advantage of the recent storm dust on crust conditions.  Deep Creek with its wind protected terrain and open below treeline areas was perfect.  Around 2-3'' of recent storm snow was on top of a mostly firm and supportable rain crust.  In open areas, the snow was fast, smooth, and fun.  In densely treed areas, refrozen tree drippings and bombs made for some challenging conditions.  Evidence of wind scouring down to the rain crust was visible along Deep Creek ridge and looking out to higher elevation terrain.  The best travel conditions were on around 30 degree slopes or below where we did not feel the firm crust below.  As we moved onto steeper terrain, the skiing became more scratchy when hitting the crust.