Wendy Thompson

Our group of 9 spent Dec 26-28 skiing in the Marriott Basin based out of the Wendy Thompson hut. On Dec 26 we found ~20cm of new snow sitting atop ~40cm of snow from the previous few days. Light or moderate snow through the day, tapering off around 3pm. Moderate Southerly winds above the hut. We skied one run above the cabin on a SW aspect. We found evidence of a wind slab above 1900m, down ~40cm. This was resistant in hand shears but pulled clean off the block. We stuck to supported terrain and avoided convexities. On Dec 27 we woke up to CLEAR SKIES! We observed evidence of extensive wind affect from the previous few days. We also observed evidence of a natural avalanche cycle that likely occurred during the last storm (est 72 hrs old). One notable size 3 wind slab from steep, unsupported, East facing terrain. We skied the lower NE facing bowl (SW of the hut). We found the same wind slab here, down ~40cm, so were careful to avoid steep convexities and stuck to the most supported section of the bowl. By around noon the sun was having a significant effect on the snow. We observed numerous small, dry loose avalanches from steep, rocky terrain on solar aspects. Winds were light or nil, from the SE through SW. High cloud increased around 2pm and skies were overcast by 3pm. On the morning of Dec 28 we had 5cm new snow at the cabin. Temps also warmed a few degrees overnight. We skied one run on a SW aspect above the cabin before leaving. Felt more like 10cm of new snow on the slope, and we couldn't really feel the old tracks. Distinctly heavier feel than the previous two days but still excellent skiing.