Ridge between Joan and Hal

<p>First mission into the Beaufort range. Objective was to check out Mt Hal based on recent reports from other backcountry users. Drove up Cook Creek FSR to km 15, turned right across the creek, and up to the snow line well before the gate. Skied up 2 hrs of snow covered logging road. Made the ridge/cut block between Hal and Joan by 2pm due to a late start. Temperature was warming up and the cut block was solar exposed. A few test slopes were stable. Pinwheeling was noted on solar aspects. We continued to the top of the ridge for a view of Mt Hal. There was a recent crown on the NW ridge down to our position. The snow was soft and cold at the top even at 3pm. Our line back down was through the open trees, cut block, and back down the same logging road. Overall a mellow 4 hr ski tour. No other avalanche activity was noted. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes.

Snow Conditions

Heavy, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Sunny, Warm.