NW wind forming news labs in White Pass

Quick report

Yukon Field Team · Jan 5, 2021 · Vancouver Island

View on map

Quick report

Weather
cold, windy
Ride Type
alpineSlopes, openTrees
Stayed Away
steepSlopes
Riding Quality
OK
Snow Conditions
crusty, windAffected, powder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSound

The weather quickly deteriorated in White Pass today from high broken cloud and calm wind giving decent visibility to moderate/strong winds from the northwest and low visibility. We ski toured to upper treeline elevations and found the new 7cm of now was quickly being transported to immediate lee features and forming soft wind slabs that were reactive to our skis. Shooting cracks and small slabs were not hard to create. The effect was likely amplified at higher alpine elevations. Skiing was still decent in sheltered areas but in many places we could feel old, firm surfaces below. Summit weather station is again fixed and reporting wind speed and direction.