Freda, sí se puede

Quick report

AvCan Vancouver Island · Apr 11, 2024 · Powell River

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Quick report

Weather
stormy, wet
Ride Type
openTrees
Riding Quality
ok
Snow Conditions
crusty, heavy, wet

We heard through the grape vine about the large avalanche that is blocking the road up to the Mt Freda trail head. So obviously we had to go and see for ourselves. At 800 m in elevation the Alpine main is blocked by debris from what was at least a size 3+ avalanche that ran during the extreme warming event in early March. While it may be possible to cross the debris on a machine with some digging involved, we chose to park there and hop on the ol two plank express. Road travel was quick up to the start of the trail. Freezing level was ~950 m and the 5 cm of new snow became drier as we climbed. The new storm snow was falling on a thick 5+ cm crust layer in open areas, but still breakable in the trees. Ski quality wasn’t anything to write home about, mostly heavy dust on crust.