Back of Big White 21/3/2023

Snowpack

oscar.ichim · Mar 21, 2023 · South Okanagan

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Quick report

Weather
warm, cold, sunny
Ride Type
steepSlopes, alpineSlopes, openTrees
Stayed Away
convexSlopes
Riding Quality
ok
Snow Conditions
wet, hard, crusty, heavy
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionTemp

-Regional avalanche report called for loose-wet on S aspects and wind slab on N aspects- Alpine Moderate and treeline/below treeline Low -Rapid temp change from -8 to +5 from 7am to 1pm respectively -First skied back of gem chair at 0930, and although on a morning sun slope the surface conditions were very firm underneath a very thin soft, dry layer . Became softer as day progressed with increasing temps. -Dug a pit at pin location, did not have something (string/saw) to cut column with so did several rough shovel shears to feel for snow consolidation which was pretty solid/well consolidated on that NE aspect. -Secondly skied N face of Big White peak at 1230, firm conditions at top, half way down softer snow but fairly wet and sticky. Conducted beacon rescue exercise, timing and review. -Seemingly wind loaded NE aspect of Big White Peak when walking back up based on change of feel of snow on ski poles

Weather

Avg Temp
1
Max Temp
5
Min Temp
-9
Wind Speed
windSpeedCalm
Sky Condition
clear
Temperature Trend
rising
Precipitation Type
none

Snowpack

Depth
240
Obs Type
point
Site Aspect
NE, N
Site Elevation
2200
Test Initiation
moderate
Site Elevation Band
alp, tln

Compression approx a little above moderate Hardness approx moderate to hard across 1.4m of column in the pit