Venture Up Zoa Ridge

<p>We ventured up Zoa Ridge for the first time since mid November. Despite the avalanche forecast being considerable for all levels, we reasoned that the expected snow for Coquihalla Summit was quite low compared with elsewhere, and that the area can be skied very conservatively. There was very little new snow, very little accumulation during the day, and a softening crust. We saw no signs of instability anywhere all day, even on steep convexities. The winds were high when we got to the subpeak, and grew in intensity as the day went on. While the snow didn't display any slab properties, there is a lot of wind effect above the treeline. I expect this to get even more pronounced with the snow and wind forecast for Sunday overnight. Keep this in mind when heading out over the next week. The treeline area was rock hard and icy, which made for some interesting slip sliding back down the skin track. Snow coverage is still a little sparse, but all hazards and willows are well covered. It was raining by 2pm back at the parking lot, and the snow was wet and slushy all the way down the pipeline. A quick note on the highway: the driving was unexpectedly great! The main exits you would likely use for any skiing in the summit area are all well plowed. The highway has minimal single laning, and only a stretch of less than 10km at a low speed construction zone east of Hope. Driving beta from those coming from Kamloops suggests about the same in that direction.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Heavy, Wet, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Windy.