Checking out the burn

<p>We checked out a recent burn on the eastern slopes of the Purcells and had numerous barriers: some old avalanche debris covering the road, burnt trees that were small and too dense to ski, and last but not least a thin and weak snowpack. We did a snowpack test on a southeast slope at 1900 m and had impressive propagation beneath 25 cm of new snow (sitting on facets and surface hoar) and on weak snow at the ground (85 cm deep). Overall the snowpack was very soft and faceted, and ranged between 60-100 cm deep. There were some strong gusts from variable directions, so we suspect wind slabs existed in the alpine.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Dense trees.

Terrain Avoided

Steep slopes, Open trees.