No Slab, No Problem… For Now

AVCAN FORECASTER , Thursday 23rd January, 2025 7:15PM

We spent the day exploring the Kaslo–New Denver pass, checking out the numerous surface hoar and crust layers in the upper 30 cm of the snowpack. The bottom line? Avoid the wind slabs, and things are looking pretty good. Sure, ridge tops are scoured from recent winds, and south-facing slopes have a crust, but mid-elevation, lower angle, wind-sheltered terrain is riding great. We had a blast on both skis and sleds today. That said, the picture will change fast once it starts snowing again. At 2250 m on an E/SE slope, we found the Jan 20 melt-freeze crust down 13 cm, the Jan 14 surface hoar down 25 cm (up to 6 mm), and the Jan 7 surface hoar down 30 cm. In the areas we travelled there isn’t a slab above these interfaces, so there really isn’t a problem yet. (Note, the Dec 6 facets are deeper at 90 cm, and rounding out.) When the storm taps turn back on, it’s going to feel pretty spooky out here though. For now, the riding is better than you’d think, get out there and enjoy it! :)