North aspects below treeline holding unconsolidated surface snow - Upper Ophir Creek.

We toured the N slopes in the upper portion of the Ophir Creek drainage today, looking at the upper snowpack and snow surface conditions prior to tomorrow's expected snowfall. Basic take away is that snowpack in this area is in good condition to handle new snow loading.

The snow surface in wind protected areas was a 6 inch deep layer of F to 4F hard DFs and NSFs that provided enjoyable travel conditions. This layer was well bonded to the Dec 12 rain crust below it. Wind exposed terrain near treeline held 1F hard wind slabs that cracked only if previously undercut. Snowpit data collected at the noted lat/long (9,160', N aspect, near treeline) revealed a right side up, consolidated mid and lower snowpack. No weakness was noted at the Dec 12 rain crust in snowpit tests.

Settlement cones/cracks around trees indicated about 8 inches of snowpack settlement in this area over the past week