Commonwealth turnaround

Turned around on the commonwealth traverse when we were approaching the avalanche path crossing near the pass (~2250m). Our group was discussing conditions as we approached the path, the leader noticed shooting cracks out front. At the same time 5 meters below another member took a very light step outside the skin track to feel the snow changes and had a whumpf. We decided after these signs plus the earlier result from a rough pit, to back off and ski down through the mature trees. During the decent, one member experience another whumpf when a slight shift downhill. In summary, a number of instability indicators and lots of wind moving snow.

Weather Report

The wind was from multiple directions and was very strong, moving lots of snow.