Improving conditions on Nak Peak

Riding quality was:

Amazing

Snow conditions were:

• Powder

We rode:

• Convex slopes
• Open trees
• Steep slopes
• Sunny slopes

The day was:

• Cloudy
• Cold

Two forecasters traveled from Revelstoke to investigate the recent activity in the Coquihalla. We stopped a half dozen times on our way up the south facing broad ridge feature below Yak peak to investigate the interface that was reactive to skier triggers over the weekend.

We found the interface down 50-60 cm, but the layer is decomposed stellar crystals and not a persistent weak layer. Stellar layers are generally very reactive during and immediately following a storm, but often after 24-48 hrs. are no longer an issue, which was the case today. We also noted a thin sun crust a little deeper than the stellar layer but the snow was well bonded above and below it. We couldn't find a single persistent weak layer in the top 150 cm of the snowpack in the area observed today. There was snow transport and wind affected snow immediately below ridgetops from moderate north winds and you could likely find a wind slab if you went looking for one.

It's important to note that spatial variability within the snowpack is what makes avalanche hazard so complex and our observations today may not be representative of the entire Coquihalla area or the rest of the South Coast Inland region.

What we can say for certain is the skiing today was REAL GOOD.