Evening ridge

Riding quality was:

Good

Snow conditions were:

• Crusty
• Powder
• Wind affected

We rode:

• Dense trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes
• Convex slopes
• Cut blocks
• Open trees
• Steep slopes
• Sunny slopes

The day was:

• Cloudy
• Cold

Avalanche conditions

• Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Field Observation Summary

Plan:

The initial objective was to ski Whales Back. While traveling along Evening Ridge, we observed shooting cracks, indicating potential slab instability. Based on these red flags, the group reassessed the plan and chose a lower-consequence east-facing treed slope for skiing instead.

Test Location:

Aspect: East

Slope angle: 32°

Elevation: ~1950 m

Terrain: Open test area within treed slope

HS (Height of Snowpack): 258 cm

Multiple Compression Test (snow stability test) were performed.

Compression Test Results

CTE 3

Failure at 15 cm

Interface: Buried surface hoar within storm snow

Character: Easy failure, indicating high sensitivity in the recent storm slab.

CTM 12

Failure at 40 cm

Interface: February 15 crust

Suggests a developing slab over the crust layer.

CTM 14

Failure at 102cm

Interface: January 28 crust

Sudden planar

Terrain Decision

Given the instability indicators and test results, the group chose to avoid committing alpine terrain (Whales Back) and instead skied a lower-angle, treed east-facing slope to reduce avalanche exposure.