Um... Wrong thread JONG. This is the 'wasatch' conditions thread.

I would think that rime sticking to an ice layer would be a good thing as it would allow an interface for subsequent new snow to bond to.

Nah, I was wrong. I used to think it was about good times with your friends skiing pow. But apparently its not. Backcountry skiing is a talent contest. At least in the Wasatch.

I'm not trying to be critical, it's just that saying someone is a 'talented' 'backcountry skier' is like saying someone is talented at walking, because that's pretty much the only difference between...

How does one have 'talent' at backcountry skiing? Either you are a good skier or not, in or out of bounds. Staying out of trouble is a matter of knowledge and experience. Everything else is...

Right, people should just go out with no knowledge or any idea what they are doing. Great idea!

Ok, just to clear things up

The most common types of avalanche instability-

Martime Snowpack- new snow instability
Continental Snowpack- persistent weak layer(suface/hoar frost, facets etc.)
...

Despite the ok spring, most old timer locals consider last year one of the worst in memory. You just haven't been here long enough. The only positive thing that I can say about last year is that we...

October snow. The season is doomed. Again.

Don't you remember last year?

I can't believe you people are happy about this.