December 24, 2003, Mazama

Had planned Castle but clouds were low; 5-10 inches of new unconsolidated powder, cold smoke powder in some areas.  Did the 1st glade above Paradise Valley Road, by the time we got there a breeze had sprung up and the snow was starting to slab; 8-12 inch shooting cracks preceded my skis onto the open slopes, but the slab thickness was less than a half inch; skied to the road (regine followed) and decided to stick to less steep/more protected slopes without slabs forming on the front of Mazama Ridge.  Skiing was dreamy (unless you crossed some old tracks  ;) in the very light powder.  Saw no one else in the bc. abc