Charlies Bottom

Riding quality was:

Amazing

Snow conditions were:

• Deep powder
• Wind affected

We rode:

• Dense trees
• Open trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes

The day was:

• Cloudy
• Cold
• Windy

Avalanche conditions

• 30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

A rugged weather day in the Blow Me Downs. Poor visibility kept us out of the Alpine, and

poking around the low lands. Stronger winds(westerly), and more new snow than was forecasted. We found 30-40 cm of new snow, very light in wind protected areas. Wind affected areas had extreme drifting, scouring, and lots of snow being transported. We noted fresh cornice formation in sub alpine steep features, and suspect rapid cornice building in alpine features.

One natural avalanche observed, size 1, on an East facing slope in the foothills. Shooting cracks from our snowmobiles and soft surface slab in open terrain. Our test pit (325m, NE facing open slope) revealed a thin weak layer of facets on top of the last prominent rain crust. Out test showed propagation on this layer, in the medium- hard range. New snow and a dense slab from last weeks snow (40 cm thick) are sitting on top on this weak layer, giving us even more reason to stay out of bigger terrain. Really enjoyable trail breaking and riding in protected areas. Not fit to be in the hills.