Snow conditions in the Bonnington Range

<p>Our group observed variable conditions over the last 5 days in the Bonnington Range. The best riding found in steep alpine terrain with north aspects. The slightly wind exposed alpine terrain afforded good riding as lee aspects were generally loaded and unsafe. Naturals were observed around 2300m on West aspects due to heavy wind loading. We had one remote skier triggered avalanche from 10m away on the ridge top. It had a 40m crown, was 50cm deep and ran about 100m (not very far considering it’s depth and steepness of the slope.) This was also on a West aspect. We observed some natural activity on steep SE aspects around 2000m from about a week ago but saw nothing recent. South slopes seemed to be stabilising over the week. Albeit slowly. The recent wind scoured the ridges and formed stiff slab everywhere making ridge top travel much more difficult. Be prepared to alter your travel plans. The snow at tree line and below has a Nasty SH/Crust layer and should be treated with caution. Lots of wumphing and cracking at those elevations. Other then that, there was plenty of sluffing and fun riding out there in wind sheltered (non loaded) terrain. Be safe and Have Fun! </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Sunny slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Wind affected, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Windy, Sunny.