Surprise Pass Variation

<p>Warm snow conditions. Air temps of -1.7C at the top of the descent ~2,650m. The goal was Surprise pass, however traversin around the nub on the south facing slope gave of pause. Recent surface snow from the strom was not slabby, but was not bonded to the soft temp/sun crust below (~25 cms down). Traversing the steep terrain around to Surprise Pass didn't seem to be worth a go without ski crampons. Retraced and climb to first col (indicated on the report), and dug a pit on the north slope. Similar soft temp crust around 25cms down, surface snow not consolidated and was fluffy/dry. ECT produced no results, so determined to ski the line before snow below warmed up much more. Steep entrance, with consequential terrain were you to fall or get carried by sluff or a slide. Managed our way diagonally down and skiers left to the fan under Surprise pass, and skied normal Surprise pass descent down to Lake Louise. Snow was heavy, but skied not bad with speed at mid / lower elevations. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Mellow slopes, Steep slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Sunny slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

Snow Conditions

Heavy.

Weather Conditions

Warm, Cloudy, Sunny.