Island Knuckleheads

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Island Knuckleheads

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
OK
Snow conditions were:
  • Heavy
We rode:
  • Convex slopes
  • Open trees
  • Sunny slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Sunny
  • Warm
Avalanche conditions
  • 30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.
  • Rapid temperature rise to near or above 0°C or wet surface snow.

Comments

We spent the day touring around the Vic Cole Hut on Sentinel Ridge near Powell River. It was a late start after taking the ferry and we staged on the Vic Cole Road at ~1100 m. At tree line, we found 30-35 cm of new snow from yesterdays storm. The new snow overlies a supportive crust at treeline and above. As well as wet snow at lower elevations. Across the valley towards the Knuckles, we saw many size 1 wet loose avalanches on solar facing slopes from today’s warming. As well as a notable size 2.5 slab avalanche on the north aspect of little Knuck. Ski conditions were warm and heavy but made for decent spring turns. Big thanks to the Knucklehead Winter Recreation Association for showing us around their backyard and sharing some local knowledge!