Complex snowpack and decent turns on Paddy

<p>AST2 crew skied a number of the Paddy East avalanche paths today and variability was the word of the day. We found everything from bomber, can't buy an avalanche snowpack in some places to spookiness in others. In a steep upper tree line path, we found a slab sitting on a thick layer of facets that produced sheers in test profiles (ECTP12 down 50cm). In another path we created a large whumpf and slope scale shooting cracks. Further investigation found this failure had occurred on large preserved surface hoar crystals that formed a number of weeks back. This failure would have certainly created an avalanche in steeper terrain. Skiing was surprisingly good after the nuclear norths winds the day before. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Sunny.