Encore Trees 170204

Riding quality was:

Amazing

Snow conditions were:

• Deep powder

We rode:

• Convex slopes
• Dense trees
• Mellow slopes
• Open trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes

The day was:

• Cold
• Stormy

Avalanche conditions

• Slab avalanches today or yesterday.
• 30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.
• Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Test pit on 35 degree open glade. 28cm low density over 20cm of old facetted snow. CTE (4) down 28 from surface, sudden planar, on surface hoar grains to 10mm. Repeatable. CTM (11) Down 48 from surface, sudden collapse, on interface between facets and older layers. Repeatable. CTH (23) down 72 above 170116 crust on old facets. Sudden collapse, block slide off column on its own. Repeatable. CTH (27) down 83 below 170116 cr sudden collapse. Repeatable.

We saw remote releases of new snow on convex rolls within glades to a depth of 28cm. Suspect all running on surface hoar and near surface facets. Ski cuts effective producing both loose dry and soft slabs. Did not venture into the wind zone near ridgetops but observed evidence of a natural/skier triggered cycle.

Over the shoulder blower made for an excellent day.