Mt. Field

<p>A great day on Mt. Field today. Clear skies and -7 leaving the parking lot. Took the "short cut" which definitely saved time. This route is well travelled, slightly off camber, and had some slick sections due to the melt and refreeze from the previous day/night. By late morning thin clouds diffused the effect of the sun keeping temps relatively cool and under freezing, providing us more time to gain and rest at the summit. The main ski lines have seen heavy traffic, but fresh lines are still available, albeit a bit more exposed to avalanche terrain(i.e steep slopes, convexities, unsupported terrain). One member of our party triggered what seemed like sluff to a small size 1, but due to the shadow light at the time no dimensions could be noted, other than it started in the confined feature skied and ran about 40m. Numerous releases to size 1 from steep, rocky, unskiable terrain off of Mt. Wapta during intense solar periods. Skiing was very good in the alpine, although a thin windpressed layer was felt near the surface. Ski quality deteriorated with elevation loss due to increased moisture content, and number of tracks. Valley bottom snow on the road was still carrying well, but started to become "grabby" in sections with direct sun exposure. We noted surface hoar up to 10mm at summit top, and calm to light westerlies throughout the day. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Mellow slopes, Open trees, Steep slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Sunny slopes.

Snow Conditions

Powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cloudy, Sunny, Warm.