Bad set up for new snow!

Submitted by
Kirill Kokorin
Observations date
Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 22:00
Location
55.362490° N 122.646940° W
Reporting on
  • Snow conditions
Map for Mountain Information Network report: Bad set up for new snow!

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
OK
Snow conditions were:
  • Heavy
  • Powder
We rode:
  • Mellow slopes
We stayed away from:
  • Alpine slopes
  • Steep slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Windy
Avalanche conditions
  • Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Comments

With more snow in the forecast a buried surface hoar layer can become easily trigger-able by riders or even naturally. Likely won’t heal and bond very fast.. heads up for the time being.
Widespread Surface Hoar was reported and seen in a large part of the region over the previous week. These large feathery crystals caused by cold calm and clear nights are a problem when buried!
Widespread Surface Hoar was reported and seen in a large part of the region over the previous week. These large feathery crystals caused by cold calm and clear nights are a problem when buried!
Last 2-3 days of snow and light winds have buried and preserved this surface hoar layer. Below the surface hoar is a crust which can make avalanches run easy and far.
Last 2-3 days of snow and light winds have buried and preserved this surface hoar layer. Below the surface hoar is a crust which can make avalanches run easy and far.
We were able to get shooting cracks on the skin tracks in low angle terrain.
We were able to get shooting cracks on the skin tracks in low angle terrain.
Our tests in a wind loaded feature confirmed the ability of this layer to be easily reactive, and have the conditions to connect far within the terrain.
Our tests in a wind loaded feature confirmed the ability of this layer to be easily reactive, and have the conditions to connect far within the terrain.