Ashman Nov 24

trowbridge.a.s , Monday 25th November, 2024 8:15AM

Excellent skiing conditions at Ashman ridge - I counted 18 people across 7 parties. In sheltered north quadrants at lower alpine, treeline and below treeline in very open treed runs the foot pen was 50cm and ski pen 30cm of very dry and light snow. Light east winds were cold (~-12 to -9 air temps) but were not transporting snow - though there is lots available. A number of gully features showed signs of previous ~NW wind cross loading (see photo). Easterly aspects at treeline and alpine had wind affected surfaces ranging from wind board, soft snow, scoured to Nov 7, or loaded depending on the exposure. Steep rocky North aspects looked shallow. Skies were mixed sun and cloud with alpine peaks holding low cloud limiting alpine visibility. North quadrant terrain was heavily skied (see rough screen shot) with no visible results (slab or sluff). Skiing was too good to dig pits, but pole probing showed sheltered locations with ~130cm with 70cm over Nov 7 crust. New snow showed no signs of slab properties, including stomping on a small NW aspect cornice at treeline. Older snow above the crust did have varying density. Surfaces in were large new snow crystals from overnight flurries. I did not notice any new SH development though Sunday night was clear in Smithers.