December 22, 2012, Bullion Basin, Crystal Mtn

Loern and I headed up Bullion Basin from Crystal on Saturday morning after 5' of snow had fallen since the previous weekend. Although the avalanche forecast called for moderate danger we were on alert.  We broke trail part of the way then picked up a track to the top of the peak that's looker's left of Bullion Basin - just south of Norse proper. Up to 6400' and then back down for some incredible powder skiing on this SW facing slope. The wind was blowing from the SW so definitely the right slope to be on. The snowpack proved right side up; a 5' pit showed fist density in the top foot then finger density down another four feet. A (hoar?) layer about 12" down was the only thing moving with a few taps of the shovel on top of the column.

Varied weather all day with sunbreaks, wind, clouds and snow. 3 laps did us in and we were back at the car at 4 - toasting cold beers to another safe and productive day.