Supportable snow above Schneider Cow Camp

Cool, moderate SW/W winds kept the snow surface supportable during our tour today. Our original intent was to go up and over into Meiss to look for E facing corn in the morning, then return mid-day via the S facing gully. But the winds kept the snow along ridge too firm to safely continue above the pindrop without ski or boot crampons, so we turned around. Enjoyable, soft 1" surface corn on the SE aspect of the gully, but S and SW remained very firm.

Pic 1: Although winds were strong enough to move snow, no wind transport was observed. Along our route, no loose snow at the surface was available for transport.

Pic 2: Open slopes were supportable and remained supportable throughout our tour. Slopes with some tree cover were slightly more breakable. I looked under the surface crust in several places, and although there was loose snow underneath, it easily packed together in my hand.

Pic 3: Surface texture was generally rough. No weak snow at the surface was observed.