AlpX Yurt

Snow conditions were:

• Powder

We stayed away from:

• Convex slopes
• Steep slopes

We spent 5 days skiing around the AlpX Yurt (Mariage Lake) from February 12 to 15. We travelled and skied in ALP, TL and BTL on all aspects (but mostly northern), from 1700 to 2100m.

Avalanche Summary: Evidence of a widespread natural cycle, up to size 2, from February 11 storm was observed on all aspects. No new natural avalanche observed throughout the trip. The snowpack was really reactive with 20-40cm of new snow sitting on big surface hoar slighlty above or directly on the crust. We ski cutted many features up to size 1.5 and used a lot of caution when approaching any new features. Fast sloughing in steep BTL features where the snow was unconsolidated.

Ski conditions: Skiing above 1900m on Nothern aspects was excellent, with 30-40cm over a thick crust. Skiing starts to deteriorate on steep/bumpy terrain from 1850m to 1700m, but still manageable. Sun crust could be felt while skiing on steep solar slopes and most south slopes were wind affected. Widespread new SH on all polar slopes.

Weather: 4 days of sunshine, with light winds from the SE and overall cold temps. No snow transport at ridgetop during day time.

Other observations: The newly built Yurt is very confortable (propane heated & elecrricity) for up to 6 people. The terrain surrounding the Yurt is definitely complex, but there is plenty of amazing options for experienced groups seeking a quiet place far from the crowds!