The approach is spicier

Approached the lower part of gentian ridge from cheakamus lake.10 to 15 cm of accumulation throughout the day, relatively light powder at higher elevations, but wet at parking lot level. Deadfall about 1km prior to parking lot. The beginning of the trail was barely skinnable and in parts needs boot packing. Many sections are icy with a dusting of snow, making for for tricky traveling. Windy in the alpine, from variable directions, dominantly south. Snow depth was highly variable. 15 cm of fresh snow, wind compacted in exposed alpine terrain, on a thick supportive crust. Under the crust was loose snow. Fresh snow would move downhill when stepped on. Avalanche debris under a steep south facing slope.