Bell Couloir

wseah , Friday 21st February, 2025 7:15AM

Surprisingly sunny day up at Bell, although the warmth didn't get to any of the snow on polar aspects. Some old point releases on solar aspects observed, as well as a sz 1 loose dry off out of extreme Terran lookers right, but no other activity. Old debris still visible, conditions were a punchy 5-10cm 1F hard slab over up to 5 cm of facets, hand shears failing in the easy-moderate range. Turned around at the bottom of the second pitch as we started wallowing in facets, and the upper slab was beginning to crack and propagate under our weight. Skiing was OK, punchy in old tracks/unsupported areas, firmer and supportive in untracked areas skirting around the debris. Ski it is in decent shape, still a few rocks exposed. -7C to start the day at 8:30, +4C back at the car at 3:30. Felt easily below freezing all day on N slopes