Window MINdow

Today in the Crowsnest pass we were pleasantly surprised by 20-30 cm of new snow on the ground! Riding from Atlas staging was in good shape and plenty of cooling for the machines! Seems like the word is out already, and the parking lot was full this afternoon when we headed home! We went up towards Window Mountain lake on the skis and were able to get up into the alpine bowl and ski some creamy low angle turns with minimal wind effect. We saw evidence of a recent natural avalanche cycle to size 1.5. And numerous dry loose from the past 24h from steep alpine features. Winds were moderate all day and variable in direction, swirling snow around creating deposits and wind effect on many aspects. Wind slab and cornice hazard was building throughout the day, and could continue to develop with snow still available for transport in the treeline and alpine. It was mostly sunny today, and solar slopes in the treeline and below treeline became moist with warming. We observed natural pinwheeling from steep rocky features in the treeline. Underneath the new snow is a supportive and slippery crust that made for some challenging conditions on steeper slopes. This crust also makes a great bed surface for avalanches to run longer distances than expected. Thanks to the Crow Snow Riders for keeping the trails in great shape! Enjoy your family ride day and be safe out there!!