Shooting cracks and windslab development at treeline

<p>We observed shooting cracks consistently near small convexities at tree line. The were significant amounts (40-60cm) of new and wind-transported snow in the zone from the past couple of days. It was snowing lightly throughout our time out there. We skied supported and low-angle terrain. Between our first small lap in this zone at 12:45pm and our our last at 2:15, the upper 5-10cm of the snowpack had because more consolidated and cakey. Our first lap’s tracks were barely visible by the time we skied out last lap due to infill from wind-transported snow. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Deep powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Windy.