Shovelnose Creek

Skied shovelnose creek up to the ridge. Drove up Br700 to 700m (4x4 w/ chains req'd) and had skins on from the truck. FSR had a light dusting of snow on the rain crust that made for easy skinning. Once we reached the top of the cut block and entered into the denser forested section travel became a 'character building' exercise. Ski crampons are definitely recommended to minimize your suffering until new snow permeates the canopy. Once we exited out to the open trees travel became quite easy again, 10cm of powder on a very firm crust. Went up to the ridge at 1850m and skied a couple laps from there on SW aspects (20-30 deg). Skiing was OK, the crust was definitely noticeable on turns. IMPORTANT NOTE: New snow is not bonding well to rain crust, side skinning was very difficult. This interface should be treated with caution with the new snow incoming this week.

Performed 2 CT on 40 degree SW slope. Both results CTVE down 20 to facets. When the rain crust is isolated it slides on the lower 2cm faceted layer. Also did a basic snow profile from 230 (HS) - 130, see photos.