Sastrugi vs Graupel

MIN It was a variable weather kind of day up at Torpy, some strong south winds up high were ushering in snow squalls and blowing old snow onto lee north facing slopes. There were periods of whiteout as well as great visibility and sun. We saw three large avalanches. All were in the alpine, size 2 -2.5 on southeast through west faces. Yesterday's rain and warming event created a widespread 4cm thick crust that extends up to 1600m which made for awful riding below that elevation. The best riding was around treeline in sheltered spots where the powder was dense but still fun to ride. In the alpine the winds had ripped through and the riding was quite firm with minimal track penetration and very wind affected snow. Another group in the area told us they triggered a large cornice accidentally as well. We gave steep north east facing slopes and cornices a wide berth today just in case.