Short day at the Gorge today, above Malakwa, near Sicamous. Temperature was minus 9 at 6000 ft / 1800 m, snowing less than a centimeter per hour, with light to moderate SW winds (probably stronger winds in the alpine). There was a 200 cm snowpack, and 70+cm of low density storm snow on the recent raincrust below 5500 ft / 1700 m. The only raincrust found above 1700 m is the Nov 7th crust, which is 20 cm thick and down 140 cm now. We skied a steep north facing line with well spaced trees. There was only surface sloughing on 35+ degree terrain.
Excellent ski quality, and great coverage with a supportive snowpack down to the road at 4500 ft / 1350m. There was even good skiing to be found in the lower cutblocks.
Driving back to Revelstoke there was a strong outflow wind at Three Valley Gap. Looked like good (but very cold) windsurfing.
Jordy Shepherd
Mountain Guide