Lightning Strike - still looking lean

Quick report

ahnice · Nov 21, 2022 · Kootenay Pass

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Quick report

Weather
sunny
Ride Type
convexSlopes, denseTrees, mellowSlopes, openTrees, steepSlopes
Stayed Away
alpineSlopes, sunnySlopes
Riding Quality
Terrible
Snow Conditions
crusty, windAffected

Shallower snowpack with faceted surface snow, as well as some surface hoar remaining in more sheltered areas. Wind affected snow in exposed TL/ALP. Sun crust on solar aspects. Lots of uncovered trees makes for interesting descent. Definitely have to be light-footed. Not the time for ambitious goals. A great time to assess your gear and practice your companion rescue skills!

Snowpack

At 2100m: 20cm previous HST settling (4F to 4F-) on 3cm Fc .5-1mm (1F), over 20mm rain crust. MFcr 40mm down 40cm - with roughly 5cm facet interface in between, on another MFcr layer down 50-55cm with rounding facets below. A crusty sandwich. At lower elevations on NE aspects snow less supportive with faceted snow and lots of sink holes around boulders. Foot pen variable between 10-50cm.

3 photos