The foremost expert on geology in that area is Dr. Bill Cannon from the US Geological Survey.

What sort of enchantment? Perhaps a truth spell to make them drop the dime on other crooked cops?

That's actually not on the snow. It's part of the roof of the building that the photo was taken from.

That is not true. They can, and do, restrict access. It is completely up to the lease holder whether or not they allow uphill access. And that's USFS land. Some areas allow it, some do not. And typically those that do have some restrictions. For very good reasons too. They do not want anyone climbing up at night while they are trying to groom the slopes, for example.

I think it's even further. Dunno, I've skied passed it many times, just never with a tape measure. But here's a picture that illustrates it.

https://imgur.com/a/zDf4rT1

My place has Sterling brand shower valves. Neither Home Depot or Lowes carries parts for them. I have to go to Ace for plumbing replacement parts. In my town, Ace has a much greater selection than either of the two big boys. They don't carry a lot of other stuff like lumber. But that's not what you're after in this case.