Commonwealth Traverse + Smut's Pass

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Commonwealth Traverse + Smut's Pass

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
Amazing
Snow conditions were:
  • Crusty
  • Heavy
  • Powder
  • Wet
We rode:
  • Alpine slopes
  • Mellow slopes
  • Open trees
We stayed away from:
  • Sunny slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Sunny
  • Warm
Avalanche conditions
  • Rapid temperature rise to near or above 0°C or wet surface snow.

Comments

A busy day out with several groups heading to do the Commonwealth Traverse. The snow on the way down was fantastic, particularly higher up, with a little bit of a temperature crust nearer the bottom of the drainage. We also went up to Smut's Pass after, the uptrack through the trees was in much wetter snow, some wind affect at the top but the ski down the left was still pretty good! One or two sunny days now will likely get it pretty wet/crusty. Very warm and sticky on our way back out the valley.