I visited the above three places over the last 3 days (in
order listed).
Snow Snow and more snow is the best way to summarize this
time period – every night has produced another 30cms., or more, snow for
the last 3 days.
Ski penetration off an established track is in the 60-80cm.
range – so the trailbreaking is serious out there right now.
From observations today when I was on Grizzly shoulder,
there appeared to have been an avalanche cycle yesterday some time - I
saw several blown in deposit out of steep terrain off of Grizzly peak – I
didn’t get a look up the valley towards Balu to see what had run off of
Cheops etc.
The weather today was characterized by snow showers (probably
received another 5 cms. during the day) and cool temps with blustery winds at
the ridge crests and into the alpine
There is an average of 120-150cm. snowpack at and below
treeline (less in the valley bottom) after this weeks snowfalls (I haven’t
been into the Alpine for a bit) – today the storm snow appeared less
reactive than yesterday and I could not produce any results cutting or stomping
on steep unsupported features – the crust is down 80 – 120 cms. and
so far hasn’t been a problem.
All that said, there has been a lot of new snow over the
last few days and I would suggest that things could use a little time to sort
themselves out – and as far as the crust goes, it may not be super
reactive but if it does fail it will not be a small event now that it is this
deep, also sometimes a crust needs a fair load before it starts to act up.
In short, be patient as things look like they are shaping up
pretty good so far – there is lots of great skiing to be had, without
hanging it out there.
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide