Surface hoar hunting

We went from Hope Valley SNO-PARK to Indian Valley today, looking for surface hoar. Small 1-2mm surface hoar was found on open terrain near and below treeline, mixed in with surface hoar fallen over from previous winds and small near surface facets. On steeper shaded slopes oriented or treed just right to be sheltered from the recent E/NE winds, I found intact 4-5mm surface hoar. On slopes exposed to recent winds, surface hoar was fallen over.

Calm winds below treeline, and Light NE winds with Moderate gusts observed on exposed terrain. Minimal wind transport observed today. Strong sun in the afternoon and some melting of snow in trees at lower elevations.

Pic 1: Surface hoar growing on previously wind effected snow. Steep NW feature, this was the most developed surface hoar I observed today.

Pic 2: Small surface hoar and near surface facets, much more widespread than Pic 1. Afternoon sun destroyed these at lower elevations (at least temporarily).

Pic 3: Wind exposed and treeless terrain feature at pindrop. Note the fallen over surface hoar, and the erosion pattern pointing towards the shade, indicating a recent north wind.