Hidden Valley, Core Lodge area

<p>Hidden Valley, Core Lodge area. Dug pit at bottom of slopes leading up to the saddle, 1600 m elevation. Hs 150 cm. Ski penetration 10-15 cm, foot pen 30 cm. 5 cm light powder on top, then dense storm snow. Mid pack is well consolidated. Bottom 30 cm is melt freeze from early season, with crust and hollow faceted layer above the crust. CTM17 SP on storm snow interface 30 cm down, CTH23 SP on surface hoar (2-4 mm) at 45 cm down. Arrows in photo at the surface hoar and basal crust. Didn't test the basal crust. Good skiing in the trees, but wind affected higher than the pit location At 1400 m, 40 cm dense storm snow on Dec 7 rain crust. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Snow Conditions

Powder.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Windy, Cloudy.