Big Y to Shit Lip to Laughton

<p>Our group of 6 went from the outhouse parking lot up through Big Y, over Shit Lip, down to the Laughton glacier and out to the highway. During the crossing from the highway to Big Y we experienced numerous "whumpfs" and cracks on the surface. We were aware that the snowpack temperature days before was in the zone of -5 to 0 degrees Celsius and that air temperature had also consistently risen above zero; winds had been variable in speed and direction. The poor conditions and observations of natural slumps and slides suggested a high likelihood and high consequence of avalanche so our group was prepared to turn back. We took a very conservative route travelling mellow slopes and avoiding overhead hazards, unsupported slopes and runout zones. We made it to Shit Lip pass with no concerns and found that unlike last year there was no cornice at all at the pass (see picture). However there was a size 3 natural avalanche on the 40+ degree south-facing slope on skier's left and a band of natural slides along that entire slope, similar gradient and run-out. We skied one by one down the 35 degree slope skier's right to the flats past the avalanche. The snowpack for this short descent was a sun crust with about 5cm of new snow on top - our ski's didn't sink in too far but it also wasn't a hardened wind slab. Temperatures were 5 degrees Celsius and up as we headed SE from Shit lip pass. The majority of E, S and W slopes showed natural slides. We continued to stay on mellow slopes and continued to avoid overhead hazards and run-out zones. We hit the US-CA border clearing and experienced a heavy wet snowpack on enough of a grade to be of concern. We descended with space in between to the canyon below. The tracks had sufficient snow to ski out, no signs of natural avalanches from above hitting the tracks. Was a great trip and a valuable experience to navigate those conditions and stay safe as a group. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Mellow slopes, Dense trees, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes, Sunny 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

Crusty, Wind affected, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Warm, Sunny.