Powder hunting after windageddon

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Powder hunting after windageddon

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
Good
Snow conditions were:
  • Powder
  • Wind affected
We rode:
  • Alpine slopes
  • Open trees
We stayed away from:
  • Steep slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Cold
Avalanche conditions
  • Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Comments

Skied a little visited area well north of windy White Pass pass today. We found wind sifted powder on sheltered ALP and upper TL features. The snowpack in this area is quite shallow and weak as was evident by numerous loud whumpfs and settlements in weak sugary crystals at the base of the snowpack. We used cautious route finding and careful slope selection to avoid initiating an avalanche on this weakness. Additionally, we found freshly deposited wind slab in steeper ALP features near ridge crests. Though a higher level of alertness and assessment was required to safely navigate this area, the riding was great.