Mt. Cheam Area

Riding quality was:

Good

Snow conditions were:

• Deep powder
• Wind affected

We rode:

• Dense trees
• Mellow slopes

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.

Rode a couple evening laps in the old growth near Mt Cheam parking lot. SE aspect between 1400m - 1650m.

Observed 30-40cm of storm snow + wind transport sitting on sun crust / wind pressed snow. Storm snow was cohesive, and VERY reactive. Easy sudden planar failures on hand shears, skinning in the trees and snow falling out of treetops consistently produced shooting cracks. Small test slopes failed energetically.

Road is in "average" winter condition for sled access.