Observation Sub Peak and Glacier

Riding quality was:

Terrible

Snow conditions were:

• Crusty
• Powder
• Wind affected

We rode:

• Alpine slopes
• Mellow slopes
• Open trees
• Sunny slopes

The day was:

• Cold
• Sunny

Avalanche conditions

• Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Skin up the shoulder was decent in the trees. Little signs of instability until just below treeline. Then the drums started drumming. Lots of drumming and lots of shooting cracks. Wind affect was widespread in the alpine and bootpacking was the best option. Even then kicking the sun affected wind crust was a little hard on the toes. No wind, bluebird until approaching the sub peak, there a calm breeze blew. Skied down the back for some low angle turns on ok powder for the first 150m down and then back to crust.

On the descent we had a stiff, icey 10cm slab over facets that made for the most delightfully tricky skiing down. Got a little better in the trees, but the angle was gone by then and the ski out had begun.

Well worth it for the spectacular views and great company. Skiing, a little less so.

Stay warm