Powder Valley

Two laps on Boxing Day in the Powder Valley area at tree-line. Nice powder turns. Very little wind during the day up to around 1200m. Little sign of transport having occurred beneath this elevation. We skied north facing slopes tl to btl. Surface was 20-30cm of light dry unconsolidated storm snow overlying a decomposing melt freeze crust / facet combo. Bonding at this interface varied according to aspect, elevation and terrain exposure to wind. Some wind slabbing observed at upper elevations. We observed debris from one na s2 avalanche, likely from the previous storm cycle which had run quite far to tree-line from a couloir up on one of the Paddy Peaks. Temps through the day -15 best guess. Great skiing with decent coverage at tree line and below.

Debris from a size 2 natural avalanche observed in the Paddy Peak area on a N NE facing slope, approx 30-35 degrees, steeper in provable start zone. No crown visible, likely start zone high in the couloir due to wind loading. Hard to say how recent, likely within 48 hours. Bed surface looked to be mfc, ran 300 m + from alpine elevation into tree line.

Temps stayed steady throughout Boxing Day, -10 at the car at the base of Powder Valley. Accumulated a cm on the windshield during the day. Light winds from the north.

No tests performed but quick hand pits revealed 20- 30 cm of consistent dust density storm snow is overlying a melt freeze crust from 800m through 1200m, and is starting to bond. Facets were observed above and believe this crust. Some collapsing reported as the skin track went in.