Surface Hoar and a tidbit on being Avy Savy

Word for the day "Surface Hoar" Crystals.

Great for skiing but very poor for the bonding process between two layers of snow. Creates weak layers throughout the snow pack leading to possible avalanche activity.

These "Surface Hoar" Crystals are feathery looking. Spending time getting familiar with different crystal types will help determine the strength of the snow pack throughout the season.

Here, I am using a slope meter on the ski pole to measure the slope. The slope angles that are most likely to avalanche are between 30 and 45 degrees. 38 is the Bullseye. This slope is measured at 20 degrees. I also like to do the ski pole check as I'm skinning up. In this picture I feel the weak layers as I punch my pole through the snow.

This slope meter is a essential tool to carry with you. Small and lightweight, it can help determine whether the slope is safe to ski or save it for another day and go to lower angle slopes.

Sun Bowl and Powder Bowl looking sweet. Click on the picture and check out the tracks.
Not my tracks. I'm on the cautious side and waiting a little while longer.

Here's Bunny Flat. A good 5-6 feet.

Have a great weekend and Happy Skiing!