Gem Hill

<p>We were on a south facing slope on snow shoes and travel conditions were poor. Heavy snow made for slow travel and difficult trail breaking. We stayed away from avalanche terrain and stayed within densely treed areas. Snow pack was measured at 102cm. We dug multiple snow pits and discovered two layers of concern. One at 20cm, storm snow over crust, as well as another at 50cm, facet weak layer. Compression test yielded a moderate result and the Extended Column Test had a fracture after 12 hits but no propegation. Rutschblock was performed and with no complete failures at RB7.</p>

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

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

Snow Conditions

Wet.

Weather Conditions

Wet, Windy, Warm, Cloudy, Foggy.