Sunny skies
Calm winds with the exception of when we felt light to moderate west winds on Taylor Pass and Pastoral Peak.
Single digit to 20's °F
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Pastoral Peak
Pastoral Peak via Taylor Pass
Weather
Snow surface
Varied from wind pressed to powder
No surface hoar observed
Signs of wet/moist surface snow near rocky outcrops
Southern aspects of Sunburst felt slightly sun effected upon our return around 5p. We were surprised by the cool temperatures and dry snow as we made our way from Taylor Pass down drainage to the parking lot.
Snowpack
We had no concerning results in formal and informal testing.
The distribution of the Leap day BSH/NSF layer was sporadic and showed no signs of reactivity on non-solar impacted slopes.
Approaching Taylor pass on the freshly broken two lane highway. At least 4 groups had the same idea today. Every group seemed mindful of the other parties and provided good distances & spacing when in steeper terrain.
Intermittent breakable thin wind slab on approach to Tayor Pass.
A moderate and steady west wind off the north shoulder of Pastoral Peak was creating small plumes throughout the day.
On approach to Pastoral saddle - the tracks were being slightly filled in by a west wind.
Surface conditions varied, but were mostly soft and easy to move through. North aspects in protected terrain held plenty of consistent powder.