Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Mount Baker Ski Area

Strong wind from the south had the falling snow blowing right in your face on the up track to Artists Point and beyond. Ski penetration varied from a firm surface to ankle deep, boot pen averaged shin to knee deep. Visibility was on and off whiteout conditions at the mid to high elevations, which made for interesting boot deep turns on the downs, though what the heck, you only need to see a turn or two ahead anyway. Snow was fast and fun, and up tracks were filled quickly with the falling snow and robust wind. nwac had the weather as 'decreasing snow & light to moderate ridgeline winds', we certainly had the moderate winds, though the snow seemed to be increasing, not the other, a good ob to be noted when reviewing the AIARE bluebook in the field, and a consideration while constantly evaluating the avalanche danger. Did a lot of hand shears all day with varying results of the new snow, well bonded to soft slabs >1'