After the storm...

Weather

cdnmoose11 · Jan 31, 2017 · Sea To Sky

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Quick report

Weather
sunny
Ride Type
alpineSlopes, mellowSlopes, steepSlopes, openTrees
Stayed Away
convexSlopes
Riding Quality
Good
Snow Conditions
crusty, powder
Avalanche Conditions
avalancheConditionTemp, avalancheConditionSlab

Went to check out the Shames backcountry, to look for evidence of natural/recent activity. Breakable crust and lousy ski quality below 900m. Good skiing where there was no wind effect in the alpine down to ~1000m. Evidence of a major cycle during the storm with many fracture lines already drifted in or covered. More recent natural activity mostly localized to the upper treeline band, especially in cross-loaded features. Storm snow settling rapidly but foot pen was still 80cm + (ski pen 30cms). Area of most concern is that upper treeline band where surface hoar (from Jan 23?) may still be preserved and reactive.

Weather

Wind (mod) with some snow transport only at ridge crest. Light to calm lower down.

Snowpack

Hand shear gave a hard, non - planar break.