Graupel and Wind Near Trimmer Peak

We started at the High Meadow trailhead with the intention of skiing the 11s near Trimmer Peak. We began our tour at 7:15 am at 6,600ft with clear skies, calm winds, and an air temperature of 10 degrees Farenheight. The snowpack was thin overall, but highly supportable. As we gained elevation, we began to see a noticeable increase in overall snowpack depth around 7,000 ft as well as a layer of graupel on the surface that would be found consistently throughout the rest of our tour. We noted minor settlement of the snow around some trees.

At 9:00 am and at around 8,300ft, we found scattered clouds, light winds and an air temperature of 19 degrees Farenheight. We were able to see the large rock faces that sit above the 11s (false summit of Trimmer) and noticed snow being transported over them from the NE. 

At 9:45 am, we traversed across the skiers left line of the 11s (about 9,400ft) and found isolated pockets of wind slabs, generally on NW-NE aspects. These were easy to trigger but very small (no bigger than 8ft x 5ft and 3-5" deep). Winds were moderate gusting to strong from the NE. We skied the skiers right line of the 11s and found cold light snow to the bottom.

After skinning back to the point where were took a quick weather observation at 8,300 ft, we found an air temperature of 23 degrees Farenheight, clear skies, and light winds at 10:45 am. The skiing back towards High Meadow trailhead was good with decent coverage of obstacles until about 7,000ft. 

Picture 1: Graupel on the surface of a ski

Picture 2: Graupel can be seen piled up by the wind on an exposed ridge

Picture 3: E-NE wind transporting snow over the false summit of Trimmer Peak

Picture 4: Minor settlement found around some trees

Picture 5: A small chunk of windslab with the legs cut out from under it