Balu pass / 8812 south ridge

Riding quality was:

OK

Snow conditions were:

• Crusty
• Heavy
• Wet

We rode:

• Convex slopes
• Steep slopes
• Sunny slopes

The day was:

• Cloudy
• Sunny
• Warm

Coverage in creek still quite good, avalanche debris is soft and tracks are cut through across all swaths. With the lack of recent reports we had expected worse travel conditions but it was very easy to get in and out of Connaught creek today.

Overnight refreeze was not strong, but surfaces were supportive and no sign of wet loose failures through out the day. We climbed towards 8812 from Balu pass and skied off the ridge at 1230. Small rollerballs on faces with more solar input. Snow was a little sticky due to saturation but surfaces are smooth enough that riding felt pretty good up high. Halfway up the creek things got really sticky, then the slush down low was fast moving again.

Saw multiple parties going for Cheops.