Studded tires and 4wd FTW

<p>30-40cm of new snow fell overnight. Storm snow sits on fairly soft rain crust from 2019-01-25. Light winds from the South and temperature was 0.4C in the morning. Temperature decreasing gradually to -2.5C and winds N in the afternoon before calming down by 1600. There was a short period of about 2h of moderate blowing snow in the afternoon which changed the surface of the snowpack significantly. There is a lot of snow available for transport and cross loading and top loading was immediate. Soft slab of 5-10cm formed in all wind exposed areas. While it did not affect ski quality significantly, this new slab was very reactive. Accidental trigger of small Sz1 (see photo 3) on small convex roll with 10m shooting cracks on both sides on the feature (N and S). Ski cut trigger Sz1 on small convex feature. Widespread shooting cracks around our skis and connecting features up to 10m away (see photo 4). Bed surface was always 5-10cm down in surface snow. We avoided any slopes steeper than 30 degrees and enjoyed great turns in and around the Fraser Chutes. We even got a few face shots, but you’ll have to take my work for it… (no photo) </p>

Weather Report

<p>Light wind from the South in the morning, increasing to Moderate and turning to N in the afternoon, with Moderate blowing snow for about 2h. Winds calm and broken sky at 1600. Temperature decreasing throughout the day: 0.4C at 1100 at highway level, dropping to -2.5C by 1400 at 1200m.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder.

Weather Conditions

Windy, Cloudy.