Jupiter Traverse

<p>We skied from the asulkan hut and completed the Jupiter Traverse today. Snow was very stable on the approach to the sapphire col (07:00-08:00 with temps between -5 to -8). Glacier travel was easy and safe navigation wasn't a concern. Previous cerac failure induced slide (about size 3 with a large run bringing ice all the way to the toe). On the Lee aspect of Castor peak around the col we found a more reactive wind slab with some planar reactivity and a previous cornice failure. Off of the summit of Pollux peak a previous ~ size 2 avalanche from summit (cornice drop?) with a significant crown. It was difficult to assess as we never crossed under or could see the full slide. The ridge was snow covered and remained stable minus facets around rock coverage making climbing difficult at times. We did 3 short pitches on the summit block and rappelled the main descent from Pollux. Ski descent down Thorington's was solid. On the upper half fresh light powder (~ boot top) with sluff management being the only concern. Previous sluffs noted off the rocks on skiers right but we're > 2 days old. Otherwise it seemed quite stable skiing back to the hut, the snow did get heavier but still skied well. Temperature warmed to 0-3 degrees at the hut. On descent from the hut the temperature was constantly rising and the snow changed from heavy powder, to wet powder with a significant crust to slushy wet snow by the mouse trap. The weather all day was cloudy without a lot of direct sunlight with a moderate wind at times in the alpine, but calm 2200m and below. Other parties reported favourable conditions on the Youngs headwall and forever young coulior.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Mellow slopes, Steep slopes.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder, Heavy, Powder, Wet.

Weather Conditions

Cloudy.