March 19, 2016, Red Moutain

We left Summit West parking lot at 8am and found firm skinning conditions through Common Wealth Basin towards Red. At the base by 10am, we noticed widespread evidence of loose wet avalanches across the south face. The surface was still very firm, with a 2 inch sun crust and consolidated snow beneath.

We cut up to the South West face, the aspect we planned to ski. As we gained altitude, the sun crust thinned a bit and the snow underneath became drier and drier. The surface was disturbed, my best guess is that pinwheels rolled down most of the face, then the wind whipped through and altered the evidence.

We booted the final 150ft to the top, and spent 30 minutes on exposed rocks at the summit enjoying sun breaks. From that spectacular vantage, we could see Doctor Suess like cornices hanging from more or less every ridge line. Turns off the top were surprisingly good. In the time we'd been up there, the sun had nuked most of the crust, so we were treated to carvable packed powder turns. Very fun; sustained angle.

As we dropped elevation, the snow quickly turned to hot pow. Not a ton of fun, but a beautiful day. Biggest takeaway of the day: conditions can change very quickly, with these temps and this sun, loose wet hazards can develop rapidly. Getting up before things turn soft is a great idea.