Storm snow and rising temps brings avalanches to the Duffey area

<p>Over 30cm of storm snow fell from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning outside the Wendy Thompson hut in the Marriott basin, with another 10+cm during the day. Temps also rose from -15 to 0 degrees celcius outside the hut by Thursday morning as the warm front overtook the region. Numerous Na size 1-2.5 storm slab avalanches were observed on SE-SW aspects, particularily on steep convex rolls and unsupported terrain. A quick pit at treeline on a SW slope above the hut indicated reactive storm slab of 30cm at CTE7, storm slab to 50cm at CTM16, and an RP fracture of 90cm down to the rain crust at CTH23. Ski cuts on convex rolls around the trees produced small size 1 avalanches down 30cm, however due to the depth and density of the powder, mellow terrain was unrideable. We avoided convexities and found great storm skiing on steeper supported terrain in the vicinity of the hut! Pic attached shows signs of slab avalanches on SW slopes leading down to the lake/basin below the hut.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Steep slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Snow Conditions

Heavy, Deep powder.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Warm.