Mountain Addicts AST 2

We spent January 14th to 16th touring in the Tunnel Creek and McDermid drainages. High pressure combined with a temperature inversion dominated the area on the 14th and 15th (snow melt on trees observed at 2000m on the 15th). On the 16th the temperature inversion was still present, however the cloud layer had risen and a low pressure system started to move in. At 1400m we observed temps as low as -13, while at 2000m temps were around -3 on the 16th. On the 16th we observed a cornice failure that pulled a small slab, likely occurred on the 15th with the strong solar input. Very large surface hoar present at treeline and below treeline. We dug several pits and generally found a well consolidated snowpack, however, the deep persistent layer of concern was found down 230cm at 2000, NW aspect, but did not produce any results with a deep tap test (a compression test done toward the lower snowpack). Although we rode steep alpine lines, we were very careful in avoiding any shallow snowpack areas, especially around rocks and cliffs.