Tree Laps at Limestone Ridge

southrockies , Thursday 20th February, 2025 5:15PM

Today we had our heads in the clouds while we hung out at treeline on Limestone Ridge. The low ceiling and warm temperatures seem to be signalling a change from the status quo in the area. The 15 cm of snow from last weekend is starting to form into a stiffer slab that has not bonded to the old snow below it yet. Lower down (~40 cm) there is a soft layer of large facets that was left behind by the January drought. This layer is our main concern for the persistent problem listed in the forecast so we were keeping a close eye on it! Both interfaces had sudden, moderate test results in our profile at 2075 m on a northwest facing slope. Fog limited visibility so we kept the persistent problem top of mind while playing well away from any hidden overhead hazard. We didn't see any new avalanches, but we didn't see much of anything really... We spent the day enjoying good turns and tight climbs through the open trees. There is starting to be a fair amount of tracks in the area, but technical trees and hidden openings are holding some great snow.