AST at Log Cabin

Quick report

Weather

cloudy, warm

Ride Type

openTrees, mellowSlopes

Stayed Away

convexSlopes

Riding Quality

ok

Snow Conditions

powder, windAffected, hard

Taught an avalanche safety program just to the east of the cutline on Log Cabin. Our primary concerns for the day where lingering slabs in wind effected terain and deep persistent slabs on basal facets. The average snowpack depth was about 90 cm. The upper pack was heavily wind affected at tree line and above with a variety of wind scoured, wind loaded, and wind pressed surfaces. We dug a profile in a small cross loaded feature at about 1100m and found a stiff wind slab sitting on 5 cm of loose facets. This interface failed under moderate loads and demonstrated propagation propensity in snowpack tests. The mid pack was supportive in most places and sat on large facets closer to the ground. This interface failed under heavy loads and also demonstrated propagation propensity. We stayed close to tree line elevations due to time constraints but I wouldn't have been comfortable venturing into the convoluted and rocky terrain higher on the face. Travel below tree line remains challenging.