Motherall peak

<p>Avalanche danger was high due to recent warming and persistent slab problems in the whole of Yukon. Although the day got somewhat cold (-15 or so) the snow was still wet deep and heavy from the recent warming. There was significant wind loading from a recent south wind but on this day there was a light breeze from the north. The north facing slopes in the Alpine were loaded with extra snow while the south-facing slopes were scoured and many rocks were visible (see pic of Alpine). I skinned through the forest for several hours and then up through the tree line. I had plans to enter the Alpine sticking to a high ridge above the likely start zone and track from the wind loaded North facing slope, but it was too late in the day by the time I got up above the treeline to go any further. Skiing back down on the low angled slopes was tough because the snow was wet and sticky and deep and I could not get momentum basically had to follow my skin tracks down. Not the greatest day but glad I got out there it was still beautiful and fun to get the exercise and see great views. If I had more time I would have driven further South to get higher up so I wouldn't have had to skin through dense forest for many hours.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Dense trees, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Heavy, Wet, Deep powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Wet.