Scurlock, thanks for the great pic, i'm a big fan of your shots.
Lowell, I'm glad it didn't rip out either. We thought about digging a pit halfway up but ran out of sunlight.
Actually, the wind effected snowpack varied considerably aross aspects and we payed close attention as we traveled. The slope was quite stable as we crossed the shrund, climbed it and skied it.
And as for Dave hanging back ... i think its a smart and easy decision if you don't feel like sking it, for whatever reason.