Victoria Euphoria

AvCan Vancouver Island , Tuesday 28th January, 2025 5:15PM

Making the most of low danger and fast travel, we ventured to Victoria Peak. There was active work on the East Main around km 24. We parked at ~ 800 m, with truck ruts guiding the way. From there we sledded up to the top of the cut blocks and started on foot. Conditions were hard enough that one of us of had more success boot packing over skinning. The top 5 cm of sunny south facing slopes softened up nicely by 2 pm. Air temperature at 1450 m was 7.5° at 130 pm. Shaded areas stayed firm. We noted sugary, faceted snow grains in the top 15 cm below the crust. As well as a trace of faceted snow sitting on the crust in places. Surface hoar was observed under 1000 m, too low elevation to be a concern.