Skied the NW side of Mt Pattison in the Spearhead
range today. 10-20 cm "dust on crust" overlies the April 9 crust which is
now very weight supportive. In many exposed places the new snow has been blown
away. Ski crampons were very useful for cutting track in some
places. The entrance onto the NW face is surprisingly steep this year
(and icy) and that forced me to lower the clients 20m.
Saw 1 size 2+ slab avalanche release at the
bottom of the Trorrey Glacier that slide to ground off a 35
degree rock slab (W aspect) - this might have happened during the
last 24 hours. Otherwise no new avalanches. The air temp stayed below 0 all
day. Ski quality is variable but usually on the crust. I rate
the Hazard/ Stability in the Alpine as Low/good (when the snow is
frozen).
Dave Sarkany
Ski Guide
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