Lower and middle summit cr.

<p>AST course. Large group so split into two elevations. We were wandering about a bit so will just summarize here rather than do a snowpack report. At highway level we had a significant 10 cm thick ice/rain layer plus laminated crust about 80 cm down but did not find it as we went higher. On way up in hand tests we found severely faceted snowpack on the west facing slopes and lots of faceted holes around rocks and trees. On the wind effected east facing slopes it was more or less boiler plate and could not do hand tests. Got one whumpf on way up. Low down at the bottom of the ascent ridge we stopped at an E facing sheltered location and took a look at the snowpack. It was pretty well facetted from top to bottom and although it was 125 cms deep it looked a lot like an early season snowpack. Lots of evidence of near surface faceting throughout the snowpack. Basel facets not really present and well bonded. The only thing we found in this sheltered spot was some surface hoar about 25 cms down which gave results in the moderate to hard range. Higher up the ridge similar results except closer to an 80 cm depth overlain by a wind slab. Overall a thin snowpack showing the effects of cold temps throughout the season (mid and near surface facets and thin weak faceted snow around rocks and trees) plus winds (wind slabs). On way home at end of day noticed some fresh avalanche activity way up high on the SW facing slopes on the other side of the highway. </p>

Avalanche Conditions

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Windy, Sunny.