Bell Couloir - a near miss

<p>Conditions are ever changing! My ski buddy and I were surprised to see such an optimistic bulletin this morning due to the new snow and moderate overnight winds. We turned back from the Bell Couloir after what we anticipated was confirmed. The new snow is not bonding well to the latest crust, and starting to form its own slab interface on top. We were surprised to see the continued confidence of others after two slabs were cut off within the couloir and parties continued to boot up! It was enough evidence for us to turn away, but I’m envious of your confidence! Bear in mind that the bulletin is a regional overview of conditions, Not a local description of the slope you’re looking at. I would encourage any new backcountry skiers to continue to educate themselves and assess the snowpack under their feet, even on days when the bulletin says your line is a go! P.S. the ski out from Taylor is pretty rowdy right now. Sharpen those edges!</p>

Weather Report

<p>Snowing at a higher than forecasted rate made for a winter wonderland up at Taylor Lake!</p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Dense trees, Mellow slopes, Open trees, Steep slopes, Sunny slopes.

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Hard, Powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Cloudy, Foggy.