The Back Bowl

It’s always a good idea to test small, no consequences slopes before committing to larger terrain. Although barely 6 feet high, this sharp little convex slop was a pretty good indicator to avoid lee slopes loaded in last night’s winds. Warm temperatures and widespread wind affect made for a dense, slabby texture on the snow’s surface at treeline and above. While touring I saw cornice growth and a small wind slab at the top of Azu Bowl as well as signs of the larger slopes across the valley letting go. My snow profile had Sudden Planar results down about 30cm (CTM14SP) where the new wind slab sits on the softer storm snow from two days ago. Be cautious of wind loaded slopes as warm temperatures and new snow arrives tonight.