Wapta

<p>Attempted Wapta traverse. Turned around below Balfour High Col due to warm stormy conditions and poor visibility. Strong winds over the last few days lead to significant wind transport. Temperatures increased to near zero on March 13th depth of new snow was challenging to determine with the strong winds. Natural avalanches noted off steeper terrain, but loudy conditions limited observations. A pit on the moraines above Balfour Hut (2500m), NW aspect, 30 deg, HS 340+ cm, showed two CTE 4 SP shears in the storm snow down 15 cm and 26 cm and a CTH 26 SP down 60 cm on decomposing surface hoar. On the bright side, lots of practice with whiteout navigation this week!!</p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Mellow slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

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

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Heavy, Wet, Hard, Wind affected, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Stormy, Windy, Warm.