Went out for a somewhat soggy day in the pass yesterday. Temps were fairly warm but remained steadty all day. +1 at the parking area 1360m and as cold as -2 at treeline around 2100m. Heavy trailbreaking at lower elevations with around 30cm ski penetration. There has been lots of wind at Treeline and above. This combined with warm temps has formed soft slabs in open areas and at and below ridgelines.
Tests today showed a Sudden collapse down about 35cms, which failed at the low end of moderate. In areas with wind affect, this is overlyed by a soft slab which is potentially skier triggerable.
We stuck to smaller terrain features at treeline and below, which were sheltered from the wind, and found excellent ski quality.
The total snowpack is increasing rapidly and we found around 180cms at treeline. The warm temps are promoting settlement and a cooling trend should improve the overall travel and ski quality.
All in all right now it is important to stick to smaller terrain features and carefully considering your route selection to avoid exposing yourself to overhead hazard. Many new cornices were observed looming over North and east aspects at ridgeline. Also of note several of the big paths on Mt.MacDonald as well as Frequent flyer in Connaught creek have run full path, reminding us that the snow has now accumulated to a depth that is adequate to produce large scale avalanches.
Have fun out there
Jeff Relph
ACMG Mountain Guide
ACMG Mountain Guide