Crystal Mountain Backcountry

Our group did a beacon practice session near Hen Skin Lake and then headed to some of the lower angle slopes outside the permit area in Silver Basin. Extended column test failed at 12 (second tap from elbow). Interestingly the failure was about two inches above an ice layer. We didn't venture onto steeper slopes, but had enjoyable turns in the fluff on slopes under 30 degrees. Fog came and went during the afternoon.