Circle lake area

Riding quality was:

Terrible

Snow conditions were:

• Crusty
• Hard

We rode:

• Alpine slopes
• Mellow slopes
• Sunny slopes

The day was:

• Sunny

Location: Circle Lake area, Blackcomb. Travelled from Glacier T-bar over Blackcomb Glacier to Circle Lake and toward Body Bag Bowl.

Date / Time: January 24th 11am-3pm



Aspect: Various; avalanche crowns observed on north-facing slopes south of Circle Lake.

Weather:
Clear and sunny all day with excellent visibility.

Snow Surface / Travel Conditions:
Uptrack toward the East Col was very icy and required ski crampons.

Circle Lake surface had widespread breakable melt-freeze crust with numerous circular depressions (sun cups/melt features), making travel rough and inconsistent.

West of Circle Lake while entering Body Bag Bowl there was extensive exposed rock and thin coverage. Several sections required removing skis and booting. Very icy in places.

Avalanche Activity / Signs of Instability:
Observed multiple avalanche crowns on north-facing slopes south of Circle Lake. Crowns were not investigated closely; these were old avalanche debris. No other obvious signs of instability noted.

Terrain / Travel Notes:
Thin snowpack and rock hazards west of Circle Lake significantly limited travel options.