Gorge K15

Stellar day skiing the Gorge at K15 with a large crew High quality skiing in sheltered areas at TL and BTL. Widespread wind effect at ridge top and in unsheltered areas. This and 2 skis cuts both yielding results (see avy tab) let to the decision to avoid ridge top drops ins for the remainder of the day. Significant blowing snow. Skin track was partially filled in by the afternoon even in terrain that felt somewhat sheltered.

2x ski cuts were performed before committing to our intended ski line at the pin location. Both yielded results. Both sz1 WSL. 15-30 cm crown. Roughly 30 m width and 30 m run length. E aspect just below ridge top. 2050 m elevation. We then backed off our intended ski line and stuck to more sheltered terrain, avoiding ridge top drop ins

Cloudy day. Sun tried to poke through a few times. Cannot confirm but looked like a possible inversion due to the amount of sun coming through the clouds Moderate winds at ridge top with significant blowing snow. Skin track was partially filled in by the afternoon even in terrain that felt somewhat sheltered. Slight warming trend throughout the day but temps were largely constant.

2050m elevation E aspect 25 degree slope CTH 24 RP down 60 cm on a thin crust CRH 25 RP down 100 cm again on a thin crust Both these layers were mentioned in the avy bulletin. No surface hoar was observed at our pit location but this doesn’t mean it isn’t present elsewhere in more sheltered terrain. HS 170 cm at pit location HS 230 cm in sheltered areas In hindsight, digging this pit ~30 ft farther downslope would have likely yielded different results with surface instabilities and would have likely led us to change plans earlier. Right side up snowpack with F density snow on the surface. 4F and 1F below. (See photos).