Since things have changed with the recent storms I thought it worthy of an update on Connaught Ck.
Since I was last here a few days ago there has accumulated @ 40cms of recent storm snow over Wednesdays interface of suncrusts etc.
I was in the Ursus Minor Trees area today with numerous other keeners, the only ski cut results I had on Wednesday’s interface, was on a small steeper slope with a well developed suncrust (South aspect 2000m.) where I managed to release a small slab 40cms deep. Enough to give me pause if I was on a similar feature of larger size and or consequence.
Weather today: light snow in the morning picked up to moderate intensity by noon (1-2cms/hour) with limited visibility above treeline, and though the winds were generally light most of the day they definitely increased later in the afternoon with moderate to strong gusts from the West transporting snow at ridgecrest features at TL and above elevations (also some valley winds in Connaught Ck. itself.
Avalanches activity: aside from the above mentioned ski cut result – there was an audible avalanche that ran off the North Aspect of Cheops but the light was too poor to say exactly where and how big it was.
Travel Conditions: if you step off the beaten track expect to encounter 30-40cms ski penetration – skiing wise it was pretty darn good out there today with cooler temps than Saturday and lighter surface snow. I would expect more wind effect on exposed features tomorrow.
Cheers,
Scott Davis
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide