Nice light density snow conditions. Average snow depth 305 cms at our 1050 metre SE aspect location on the lee side of the ridge on the way up to the lake side approach to Fraser chutes . 32 cms new snow on a 32 degree slope. Snow squalls in and out all day from the west but warm - about -3 to -5.
Easy compression test failures (x3) on new snow interface ( CTE2) at 32 cms down and Rutchblock 2 on same. Moderate mid-range results on something at 42 cms. 2 hard results and one moderate 8 on surface hoar down 70 cms. Though this failure took quite a few taps, it failed as a sudden pop/ planar fracture with full test block release. Not sure if this was the Feb 5 or the Feb 21 surface hoar. No formal results on the rutchblock on this layer - well bridged with a wind slab above the surface hoar but did get the same rather spectacular failure on this layer once 3 folks stood on the rutchblock and jumped once ( sled weight almost?) . Got a nice video if we can figure out how to post it.
Apart from that noticed a few cornice failures in the Fraser chutes. Fraser chutes were very wind loaded and looked ripe for a sledder or skier release. Ks
When we got to where the creek narrows in at treeline we diverted from the creek and turned north and climbed up the ridgeline that would have taken us towards fraser chutes if we got that far. About 1050 metres elevation. SH was lying flat on the interface and was quite large. ks