Many smiles Saturday in the Whistler area as
early morning visibility seemed to draw more people into the higher regions of
the local mountains.
Toured to 2200m Saturday and, similar to Dale,
found that uphill tracksetting conditions are improving, especially on the
flatter terrain. Temperatures remained cool at TL and ALP throughout the day at
-8C. Winds remained light, even at ridgetops.
We did encounter a moderate “pop” in
hand tests at 2100m on north-facing windloaded slopes. The blocks failed on a
planar surface at a sudden resistance change (from F over top to 1F beneath)
generally around 40cm down. The 1F layer was about 15cm thick and then a 4F
layer extended beneath that. This upper layer also reacted to ski cutting, but
did not step down in any observations.
We also found a more resistant and less-planar
release at the bottom of this 1F layer, usually about 55cm down from the
surface. Unofficial “pole” penetration tests were able to penetrate
the snowpack to 165cm (basket side down!). We stayed on supported features in
the lee of ridgelines on these aspects. Little confidence in the bigger stuff.
We also skied southerly aspects from 1900 (TL)
down. Evidence on the tree trunks showed most windblown snow during the last
storm had come in from WNW so these slopes were well-protected and very fluffy.
Expected tree well issues did not seem to be a problem, so skiing was very
good. We did not encounter any weak layers in the top metre of this exposure
during the day.
We did not play on big terrain. Settlement
cracks are evident around rock features, some of them over 40cm vertical
displacement, so the pack is clearly settling. Some good settlement cones
around smaller trees BTL as well.
M. Sulkers
ACMG Hiking/Backpacking/Wilderness Guide; CAA
Professional Member
