Big whoompfs and CTE2

Original objective was across the highway on the SW side but about 3 or 4 other groups had the same objective at the same time and we didn’t like the idea of skiing with several other groups around, especially given some references in the avy bulletin about potential for skier triggering etc that suggested something spooky is showing up occasionally in the snowpack. Decided to turn back, cross the highway and check out the other side. Around 1650-1750 metres elevation, had a couple of big loud whoompfs that made us seek out some very low angle skiing for the descent. Dug three pits before skiing out. One failed easy with two light taps from the wrist, failing sudden planar 65cm down, coming off all in one consolidated block. The other two pits failed at 15 hits (moderate, elbow). See the Snowpack tab for more details.

Dug three pits Pit 1: CTE2SPdown65cm, ECT14RPdown65 (slid off completely on 22 hits), slope angle 20 degrees. Fist from 93cm down to 66cm above ground, 4F/1Finger 66cm down to 28cm above ground, facets from 28cm to ground with a slightly more firm layer for the last 4cm to ground. Aspect 240 degrees (WSW) Pits 2 and 3 done by partners: CTM15, ECT22 on same layer as in pit 1. Slope angle 25 degrees. Aspects about 240 and 220 degrees.