Observation Date: 12/22/2018

Route/Location:
We skinned the NE ridge of Ward Mountain. Stuck to terrain that was less than 27 degrees.

Weather:
Sunny, no precip, no wind until above 9000′

Wind:
Calm. Wind gusting to 15mph above 9000′

New Snow: 6-12″

Avalanche Activity:
Some lose slides visible on southerly flanks of Downing Mountain.

Other Comments:
We experienced widespread collapsing (whumpfing) from about 5500′ (50cm of snow) to about 7200′ (1 meter of snow). We suspected that this collapsing was happening on the depth hoar. We dug a pit in 180cm of snow at 8800′ on a NE aspect. Our tests showed poor stability and many high quality sheer failures. However, faceted layers seemed to be rounding. We enjoyed good low-angle skiing on great snow.

Observer: Joshua Phillips