Crystal Ridge

<p>We observed swirling winds with strong gusts from the N / NW. We had anticipated winds from the SW with the approaching storm system but where we were it didn’t materialize. Some isolated small wind slab formation observed on NW aspects (see pic). No whumpfing or shooting cracks, and the snow pit we dug showed no reactivity or fracturing in a compression test. Extreme swirling wind gusts and increasing snowfall when we got to the car at 2:30 pm. -10 C at the car at 09:30, near zero C at 2:45pm. Ski quality was just OK. Heavy wind effect in the more open gladed areas on the SW aspects we descended. </p>

Weather Report

<p>Strong swirling winds from the NW, extreme gusts. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Heavy, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Warm, Windy.