Hooks and Marbles

With low hazard at treeline, we decided to step out into larger terrain today as we rode the Bijoux to Mt West loop. While we still used simple group management measures like one on the slope and having a spotter in a safe regroup (just in case windslabs are lingering in isolated pockets), we hot after it in big terrain. The widespread surface hoar on most slopes may point to hazards in the future, but for now was a sign that there had been no wind in the area recently. On our way back along the pipeline to the Bijoux parking lot we saw roller balls and small loose wet avalanches that confirmed the afternoon sun is having an impact on southern slopes and lower elevations.