Fraser area

<p>Skied a few short runs in the Fraser area today - from approximately 860 - 1131 m in elevation, treeline and below terrain. Ski penetration averaged 25 to 40 cms. Windward aspects at treeline were 0 cm. Observed strong winds from the SW for most of the day, and at times it was snowing approximately one cm per hour but this was not continuous througout the day. Temps remained below freezing today (-3c at noon @ 1125 m). We stayed away from overhead exposure to alpine slopes, steep terrain and convex slopes and stuck to planar, low angle slopes and protected ridges that were not highly wind affected or cross loaded. In a few areas near Fraser Chutes, we encountered cross loaded snow/terrain that displayed some shooting cracks. The rest of the snow encountered during the day displayed blocking (see photo) between the skis. We saw one Natural size 1.0 on an east aspect at 1100 m on an open slope at treeline. Additionally ski cut one Size 0.5 on a crossloaded convex roll, S aspect at 1050 m. In some windward features the new snow was not well bonded to the old surface and made for slippery skinning. Overall the ski quality was good below treeline in areas that were not wind affected, but we were careful to avoid areas with cross loading or with wind deposited snow. On south aspects below treeline we found the snow to feel slightly upside down and on SE aspects it felt slightly thicker. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Powder.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Windy, Warm, Cloudy.