Too deep couldn't get steep

<p>Went for a ski tour up Belle mtn today. Trail breaking on both skis and sleds was hard. Sled trenches were often over a meter deep and ski penetration was 30 to 50 depending on the aspect. Foot penetration was over waist deep. We experienced some whumpfing on a south aspect with a thinner snowpack. Recent strong westerly winds had created windslabs on west aspects and we noted one recent size 1 windslab on a lee east facing ridge. We dug a pit on a sheltered SE slope at 1950m and found 65cm of fist to to 4 finger density storm snow over another 50cm of 1finger to pencil density snow. All this sat on a 10cm thick hard rain crust. Total snowpack height was around 150cm. Both ECT and CT tests had no results, simply compressing all the new storm snow. There were other signs of older avalanches in surrounding areas but hard to say their age. The snow was honestly too deep and had an "upside down" feel to it in many areas making it difficult to ski especially since we stuck to low angle sheltered terrain. Still was a great day to get out and enjoy the sunshine! </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Sunny.