Rethel North Couloir

Snowpack

Obs Type

summary

Site Aspect

N

Ski Penetration

50

Test Initiation

none

Foot Penetration

100

Site Elevation Band

alp

Surface Conditions

newSnow, facets

Snowpack is not that deep, up to just over a metre in some places, in others it doesn't cover boulders. However, the ENTIRE snowpack is isothermal and faceted. This prevented clumping and large slabs for us, but made uphill travel a nightmare. Even large snowshoes sank over a foot, and when following the leader your steps would still sink meaningfully. We turned back partway up the couloir due to slow progress. Would be amazing for skiing down, but getting up is a problem as you sink about 50cm in every step. Whistler would be happy if they actually opened. This may become a persistent weak layer if it doesn't bond. Fingers crossed 🤞