Tutshi chutes

Riding quality was:

Good

Snow conditions were:

• Powder

We rode:

• Open trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes

The day was:

• Warm
• Windy

Avalanche conditions

• Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

We skied at and below treeline in the Tutshi Chutes area (a new zone for us). We stuck to north aspects to stay out of the gale-force winds. North aspects on ridge tops were wind loaded, with cornices starting to form. Snow depth was variable, from 30 cm on wind-blasted alpine south aspects to >1.2 m on north aspects. We found 20-80 cm of soft but consolidated snow sitting on top of facets that were 10-40 cm thick. The interface between these layers responded to hand shear tests, but we did not see/hear any whumphing or shooting cracks.

We witnessed a small size 1 avalanche (natural) on a north facing wind-loaded feature near ridge top (see photo). I suspect it was triggered by rapid wind-loading due to very strong winds in the afternoon.

Ski conditions were great, powder and pillows in the trees. Short laps, but this is a fun option for protected tree skiing on a windy day.