South Hector - Sketchy Windslab

Headed for Hector South to ski some below treeline and low angle (18deg) treeline terrain. AvCan forecasters nailed the forecast (in my opinion) today. Below treeline we found shallow snow, well supported by vegetation. As we transitioned to treeline elevations the snow became softer and deeper but disappears quickly as you move out of the trees into bare rock near ridgeline. We observed a loud WHUMPF in rocky terrain (2400m) while skinning up (West aspect). On final descent we released a sz 1 windslab in shallow rocky terrain. We entered the day wary of wind loading on EAST aspects, but were scared to learn that there is very touchy snow on WEST aspects as well.

Ski cut released a small windslab in VERY shallow (<40cm) depth snowpack on windward (West) aspect. Slide stopped midslope a few meters below.

-8C at the saddle (2400m) after lunch.