SH, improving structure on W aspect in Beehive

We toured into Beehive Basin for our level 1 class.  Widespread surface hoar up to 6 mm on west to south aspects (we did not tour on any other aspects).  Buried SH under the recent 7 cm of storm snow was present, though it was not fully preserved. Some feathers were still vertical while others were knocked down. Buried SH was reactive but not propagating long distances. Small, short cracks were observed on that layer in our tour. Wind-loaded pillows from prior loading were visible on much of the steeper western aspects off of the ridge, especially down low and in cross-loaded gullies. 

Overall, we were happy with the snowpack structure in our singular pit location, surface hoar not withstanding (see attached profile).  Snowpack was right side up and the basal facets were moist, beginning to round, and pencil hard. The ground was warm and soft (and a bit muddy) with a stout 2 cm plus ice layer. 

On the lower angle wiggles in the basin, the ski quality was quite good, and the powder was quite loud.