Stevens Pass backcountry- 14 Jan

Headed to Stevens this AM for session in Tye Bowl area.  Found 8 - 14 inches of new unconsolidated snow on top of soft and very carveable crust.  Yo-yo'd several laps on NW aspect.  Prior to skiing, found CT12 and RB2 on approx 40 deg slope near ridgeline (NW aspect) with clean shear occuring just below the crust.  This area appeared to be more wind affected than anywhere else we saw.  All other indicators pointed to stable snowpack on this aspect.  Overall, skiing was outstanding and weather was of course beautiful.  Surface hoar has formed on all aspects...could get interesting depending on what the weather does.