East Peak - Big White

Riding quality was:

Good

Snow conditions were:

• Crusty
• Powder
• Wind affected

We rode:

• Mellow slopes
• Open trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes
• Convex slopes
• Steep slopes

The day was:

• Cloudy

Avalanche conditions

• Slab avalanches today or yesterday.
• 30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.
• Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

The recent "atmospheric river" dumped 50-60cm of new snow over the Big White backcountry. The snowpack was recorded 115cm at the pit we dug. The strong winds over the weekend from the southwest affected windward and alpine slopes, creating poor skiing conditions in these areas. Winds subsided Sunday and clouds lifted. We expect this snow to have loaded the bowl and backside. Glades along the ridgeline often used for skin track up from the bowl were great for skiing. Avoided travelling too far skiers-right as rocks were prominent. Watch for cornices developed above the bowl...

It is a great time to ride simple terrain and avoid steep slopes. Exercise extreme caution early in the season. We made some excellent turns down the skintrack slopes. Signs of settlement were noted in Upper LCM, but in gentle non-wind areas. Avoided skiing out this way incase of Logs Creeks and Mud...