Yellowstone Ski Tours

Pit location was about the elevation where the surface wind effect decreased, and the skiing became good. Though the skiing was found to be punchy/ thinner/ rocky in locations below also.

Snowpit location is partially sheltered by whitebark pine from both the sun and the wind. 200' vertical higher, and the wind effect/ avalanche hazard was more substantial. Observed one recent slab avalanche on an adjacent NW facing slope (a windslab about 8" deep and 20' wide).

Turned around just above the snowpit (9,900') due to fresh, reactive wind slabs 10-15cms deep, which were cracking, and becoming more connected/ widespread.

Winds this morning were gusting into the 50mph range, from the SW (at the Lulu Pass wx station), and affected many exposed slopes, even in the lower elevations.

Thinner snowpack around this general area than expected. Facet gardens in areas around rocks. (The SE aspect of Mt. Republic was very thin/ rocky also)

Lots of small, very subtle, localized collapses. Felt spooky.