Crags East Shoulder

Quick report

pauwels.justin · Jan 30, 2026 · Kootenay Pass

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Quick report

Weather
warm, cloudy, stormy, foggy
Ride Type
openTrees, mellowSlopes, denseTrees
Stayed Away
convexSlopes, steepSlopes, alpineSlopes
Riding Quality
ok
Snow Conditions
wet, powder, crusty, heavy
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionSlab, avalancheConditionTemp

Skied the east shoulder of the Crags today. Travelled on W/SW aspects from 1750 - 2100m. Temps were warmer than expected with -0.5c at the bottom of the drainage and -1.7c at ridge top. Light SW ridgetop wind. Second day in a row here. Storm snow significantly more consolidated today than yesterday. This made for challenging trail breaking. Strong density change from top to bottom with some punching down into firm crust in dryer snow closer to ridgetop. Large downed trees (mostly covered) and multiple open creeks in the bottom of the drainage. Ride cautiously. Observed multiple natural avalanches on isolated convexities. Blocks slid on isolation or with minimal pressure during hand shears. New snow = 18cms. Total = 215cms. We rode mellow, well-supported slopes, avoided convexities and had no surprises.