Dec 23-24, 2008, Heather Ridge

Spent yesterday and today lapping Heather Ridge. 

Tues it was snowing, mildly cold, and windless.  Snow varied between 6" of fresh to 24" of fresh in wind drifts and sheltered areas.  Lots of exposed brush but there were plenty of spaces between for turns, and it made it a little more exciting when you were forced to turn unexpectedly to avoid some.  Did multiple laps near the cat track.  Did one run towards Moonlight Basin but the brush and trees were a little too tight, and the valleys had not filled in yet.  Ended with a run down on the west facing chute just off heather ridge towards the highway.  Snow was stable and plentiful with limited bushwacking.

Wed (today) it was snowing heavily and very windy.  There were small areas that were wind scoured but nothing major.  The drifts were really nice though.  Did a few laps and watched our tracks get filled in by the wind transported snow.  Ended with the west facing chute again which was loaded with 3-6 inches of wind transported snow.  The top 3" were pretty slabby and sloughed a lot on our descent, but nothing major.  However with the coming snow tonight and the consistent winds, it might be something to watch out for.