Surprise Pass

Skinned up Saddleback Pass to Surprise Pass in the Lake Louise backcountry. We found 5cm of HST overlying a hard slab on all aspects at TL and in the Alpine. HS varied from 30cm in scoured areas at TL to 110cm in wind loaded pockets. Na (I) observed from the north face of Victoria in the afternoon (serac fall). Although difficult to make out the crown of the avalanche, we’d likely call it a size 2 given the mass of snow that pulled out and its destructive potential. Ski quality ranged from new storm snow on top of a hard slab for the first 300m and became less wind effected as we moved down the feature. Better than expected ski conditions with a few sharks still lurking here and there due to variable HS. No other evidence of natural activity in the area. Weather remained cool all day with light winds on the Saddleback side and Calm winds once we cleared the pass