Marriott Basin Report 02/08

Fun mostly sunny day touring around the Marriott Basin after an overnight at Wendy Thompson. Cornices are very large on ridge lines. Signs of minivan-size chunks breaking off in upper bowls. Alpine lee slopes were wind loaded with 10-15cm of low density snow on top of a firm crust which was not breakable. No signs of instability on polar aspects. It warmed up considerably throughout the day. Solar aspects displayed pin wheeling and numerous small/medium point releases as the day went on. Ski out is survival skiing in the trees and approximately 7 small creek crossings on the road out but coverage does extend to the road still!