Becker Ridge Observations

We went looking for wind protected northerly aspects to ski some soft surface faceted snow today.  Mild conditions at the Echo Pass snowpark changed quickly on the ridge to strong NE winds and below freezing cold temperatures.  We found soft near surface faceted snow on open below treeline terrain on northerly aspects.  The setup here is consistent with many other areas throughout the forecast region.  A couple inches of soft faceted snow on top of a thin firm rain crust, with some faceted snow below the rain crust.  In tighter treed areas, the snow surface is very firm and not smooth from previous tree drippings and refreezing.