Vermilion Peak Slide Path

<p>We skied Vermilion Peak slide path today and found superb skiing above 2000 m with heavier snow below 2000 m. The day started cool, -11 C in the valley bottom at 8:00 am, but was -1 C by 10:30 at 2025m. The day was generally overcast, with snow starting by the time we left, 17:30. Winds were calm below 2300 m and moderate closer to ridge top - our tracks were covered within the hour. The snow was excellent above 2000 m; light, dry with minimal wind effect. Height of snow was 110 cm at 1450 m and 160 to 180 cm at 2100 m. Travel was very good with ski penetration of 25 cm and foot penetration of 65 cm. There was ~50 cm of low density snow sitting on a firm-ish mid-pack at treeline. Below treeline the amount of low density snow and strength of the mid-pack both deteriorated. We didn't note any cracking, whumphing or releases on small test slopes we ski cut. We did note a recent size 3 avalanche in the main west path that ran almost full path. The debris was several hundred meters long. The avalanche appeared to run in the last 24 to 48 hours based on the amount of snow on top of the debris. We were unable to observe the fracture line as it was filled in with the recent snow. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Steep slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

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

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Snow Conditions

Heavy, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Warm, Cloudy.