Spot the Ptarmigan

<p>We headed to Hasler today to see how the big warm up was affecting the snowpack. Heavy snow, pinwheels, and tree bombs were found up to 1600 m. Strong winds redistributed snow into wind slabs in exposed areas. A test pit in a small shallow feature at tree line showed the facets (sugary snow) were failing near the ground. We used small low angle openings in tight trees, away from run out zones to move around.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Dense trees, Mellow slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Snow Conditions

Heavy, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Windy.