Sterling Archer approves of this message

<p>Today we went to Sterling and snowmobiled at tree line. We saw evidence of natural wind slab activity on shady (N facing) slopes in the alpine. These size 2 avalanches appeared to have happened over the weekend after the storm cycle. We could see moderate NE winds transporting snow in the alpine, and previous wind affect (from W winds) extended down into the trees. In the trees at 1000m, boot penetration was up to 60cm. We found 50cm new snow overlying a layer of facets (sugary, weak grains). In snowpack tests, this layer failed during hard hits (ECT N, CT H RP) but did not propagate on an Extended Column Test (ECT). Below this we found several older melt-freeze crusts interspersed between more layers of facets all of which had 1 Finger, Pencil, or Knife hard density (quite good strength). </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Snow Conditions

Powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Sunny.