Finding snow that's still cold

The problem

Everyone chases the same obvious powder line, and by the time you get to it, sun and wind have already changed it. The snow itself didn't disappear — it moved, warmed, or got tracked out somewhere you can still avoid.

Why it happens

Sun Exposure integrates the sun's path across the whole day by aspect, steepness, and cast terrain shadows. Snow Quality then blends fresh snow, peak/valley temperature, wind, sun, and the snow line into a single score.

How to check it in First Chair

1. Turn on Sun Exposure

   Look for slopes that stayed shaded through the day — those are most likely to still be cold.

2. Cross-check Snow Quality

   A high score on a shaded aspect is a better bet than a high score on one about to catch sun.

3. Compare aspects side by side

   In Shoot/Compass mode, sweep the lens across a bowl or traverse before committing to which way to go.

4. Go higher and shadier later in the day

   The slope that was firm at 9am is often the best snow left by early afternoon.