Crispy Smokie Crusty Snow

We suspect the avalanche in the photos likely came down during the rain event a few days ago and was the combined result of a cornice collapsing and overloading a deep persistent weak layer of facets near the ground. While the likelyhood of triggering this layer under current conditions is quite low, that likelyhood will rise again during periods of intense warming or precpitation that we may get in the future. Similarily to neighbouring riding areas, Core Lodge is also pretty crusty right to ridgetops making for some mediocre riding conditions. The crust in the alpine is super thick and hard, and our sleds were overheating trying to ride around up there. Down in the trees it's thinner and more breakable. Great day to roast some smokies over the fire, enjoy periods of sun and hide from the strong winds up high!