Hurricane Ridge, Jan 14

After a late start, Sidnie and I skinned out toward Hurricane Hill to test out my new shoulder brace and check snow stability.  We crossed the Steep and Icy south facing slope and found a north facing 35 degree slope to dig a pit.  The results were a little disturbing.  At first there appeared to be no significant layers and the first column seemed consistent down three feet. Until I tried a shovel shear.  As soon as I inserted the shove, the top 2 ft. sheared away cleanly revealing a layer of faceted crystals above a thin crust.  I moved over five feet and isolated another wider column and the top slid off without even inserting the shovel, leaving a consolidated block about two feet thick.  We decide not to ski the slope and looked for south facing slopes.  The sun was having an effect on all south slopes and pinwheels and snow balls were rolling away under our track.  Finally we found a treed sw slope which was partially shaded by a ridge.  The top had tight trees with large rolls and drifts from last week's strong S winds.  After working through the trees the slope opened and we found a good line down a steep drainage in smooth but slightly heavy snow into an upper tributary the wolf creek drainage.  The skiing was surprisingly good on 6 inches to 1 ft. above a crust. The hike back up was difficult because of the ice layer  and required many kick turns.  We were both wishing for our ski crampons.  We returned to the road a skated back to the lodge..not a bad day for a casual tour.  Is anyone else noticing metamorphosis taking place on the Tuesday crust?