Plan B (Blower)

<p>It’s always good to have a plan B in your back pocket. Today’s stormy conditions changed our original plan above to ski Azuetta Lake. Heavy snowfall, blowing winds and poor visibility increased avalanche hazard to a point we didn’t feel comfortable in such committing terrain so we toured up to the Azu Bowl, near Powder King, instead. We started on small test slopes where we found cracks shooting from our skis and even triggered some small slides. These simple tests give clear evidence of instability when they can be done safely. With all this feedback, we stuck to tree skiing where the snow was just amazing! </p>

Terrain Ridden

Dense trees, Steep slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Open trees.

Avalanche Conditions

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

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

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Windy.