Common wealth loop

darren.vonk , Thursday 18th April, 2024 6:10AM

We skied both the E & W North facing shots beside Commonwealth peak on the commonwealth traverse. Pigs in heat (East run) We were able to skin up to 150 from the Col, then we swapped to boot packing which was supportive and boot top. Isolated windslabs were 10cm thick in unconnected pockets, ski quality was pretty darn good for April! The feature had seen North wind, so the snow was slightly pressed but skied great. Great white pig (West run) After passing under the North face of Commonwealth peak we climbed up to the Col able to skin the whole way. Windslabs were found (10cm thick at most) but unreactive due to the supported nature of the trough you climb in, avalanche debris that came off the peak to the West runs through the ski line, but you can ski trending right and stilll get a great run to the TL. The skiing remains decent throughout the tree’s and gully feature until you hit the waterfall pitch, avalanche debris fills the gully and it’s slow moving. This is still a great loop in good shape still! Of note is the huge cornices on top of both lines, bigger then most years at the moment.