Mongolia Lap

<p>Took a walk out to Mongolia bowl, mainly hoping to avoid the west wind in the dropping temps… which was a great success. Saw evidence of wind slabs failing all along the base of the Mammoth Head and head wall further along so hugged the trees and stayed out of the firing line all day. Found significantly more stable snow on the SE side of the ridge than the N / NE … but sluff was moving with us wherever we rode. Conveniently no stiffness from wind deposition where we wanted to ride. Did feel some whumphing in one very isolated spot amongst the trees on our skin track on the WNW aspect just below the saddle. Not enough to spook us into turning around. As expected the sluff was most active where the new snow was most shallow and/or the slope was most steep. Largest result would maybe be as large as 0.5, generally it stopped when we did. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Convex slopes, Dense trees, Open trees, Steep slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine 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

Crusty, Deep powder.

Weather Conditions

Cold.