The skies cleared today and there was evidence of a large natural cycle over the past 72hrs with widespread avalanches up to size 4. Many step fractures were observed, some likely going down to the December 6th crust and facets, and some down to the ground. Many of these crowns appeared over 200cm deep.
We observed a large group of snowmobilers in this area highmarking on large steep (>40 deg) convoluted slopes with no results. Although this behaviour seemed reckless (the number of snowmobile avalanche involvements recently is alarming!), along with snow profiles today this indicated that the storm snow is rapidly gaining strength.
With 150cm of recent storm snow accompanied by strong winds from the SE through SW, the december 6th crust and facets are now buried far enough down that skier (or snowmobile) triggering is unlikey. However, with forecast sunny weather this week warming the recently developed huge cornices, it is possible these could still trigger large avalanches. There are still layers reactive within the storm snow, some to skier triggering as indicated today by a size 2.5 skier accidental avalanche.
Be safe out there and give the snow some time to settle before attacking the more aggresive lines.
Alex Geary
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide
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