New snow, strong winds, and rising temps

Map for Mountain Information Network report: New snow, strong winds, and rising temps

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
Good
Snow conditions were:
  • Heavy
  • Powder
  • Wind affected
We rode:
  • Alpine slopes
  • Convex slopes
  • Steep slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Sunny
  • Warm

Comments

First run was in the morning on a NE aspect (photos in the shade). Strong overnight wind (Sunday night) had stripped new snow from the previous two days (~25cm) in the alpine. Moderately hard wind slabs (1F+) were observed in the alpine around 2200 meters. No reactivity from wind slabs observed. Ski quality greatly improved around tree-line.

Second run was on an E aspect. We skinned up on an SE-E facing ridge, and skied lee side and slightly NE facing side of the ridge. Temps climbed through the afternoon. Skinning on E facing slopes was tricky with about 20cm of moist snow on melt-freeze crust from late-Feb. Our second run was between 2150 and 1500. Skiing was very good, taking care to stay off of the moist snow (for ski quality, not hazard was not warm enough to be a hazard).