Graupel House

Very deep powder conditions at Powderhouse today. Graupel was observed on the surface from the base to the near the summit in the afternoon. Graupel was so widespread that folks were discussing it on the skin track. I avoided the near and above tree line ridge and the likely wind slab residing there. In the trees below treeline deep unconsolidated powder was abundant. Minor loose dry avalanches were observed due to turns, but most of the terrain I was on was too low angle for it to run far. 

Photo 1: Graupel was very widespread at Powderhouse this afternoon. Not the best photo, but there were a couple intense graupel events in the afternoon and it was the most common precip particle on the surface during our tour. 

Photo 2: Near the summit a fully extended pole could easily be buried up to the handle. Stepping out of your skis was a potentially dangerous move today due to the deep soft snow. Tree wells were likely a real hazard as well. 

Photo 3: Although periods of the afternoon featured lower snow intensity, around 4pm the snow was falling at an extremely high rate.