13km McDonell near Microwave

<p>Below Treeline: saw significant whumphing and shooting cracks (up to 50m) on rain crust, which disappeared around treeline at 1250m. Just below treeline found 5cm of wet snow on top of rain crust. Treeline: Dug a pit at treeline (1350m) on a northwest aspect. Height of snow = 185cm. Upper snow pack seemed well consolidated. CT25 on hoarfrost 45cm down. Rain crust at 140cm down with 20cm of facets above and facets to ground below. Alpine: On approach to alpine, stopped at 13:30 to discuss route up base of ridge on E of bowl. No sign of recent activity but noticed heavy winds and snow transport. Continued touring and at 13:40 stopped to look into valley and saw the three large avalanches in the bowl (north aspect) where none had previously been (creepy). Avalanches (from photographers L-R): FIRST: apparent cornice release and trigger. Ran 500m. Crown ~2m deep (guess from afar) and 200m wide. SECOND: In guts of the north bowl. Crown was hard to see but ~1m. Ran 150m. THIRD: Ran 50m. Crown 1m+ in spots and ~80m wide.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes.

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.

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Heavy, Wet, Wind affected, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Windy, Warm, Cloudy.