Spray Range Traverse

<p>We skied the Spray Range traverse on Monday from Burstall to Tent Ridge. We noted a size 2 avalanche on a NE aspect at 2400m, which appeared to start from very steep, non-skiable terrain. The avalanche did not trigger any underlying layers. We also noted a size 1 on a S aspect at 2300m. Both were within 12 hours as they were not covered by the previous nights 5 - 10 cm snowfall. We experienced one whoomph while ascending the headwall between Commonwealth and Pigs Tail. An avalanche had occured in this area after March 15, and the old bed surface had been re-loaded. Hand shears indicated a very poor bond to the March 15 crust/old bed surface (SP results on block isolation - without pulling block). Our success in this particular location was certainly luck and not skill. I would not recommend our skin track up to the Pigs Tail/Commonwealth col to others. In general the remainder of the tour had significantly better bonding of the surface snow to the March 15 crust. We did not encounter any wind slabs. The cold weather has preserved the snow very nicely. We had broken clouds with light winds all day. Temperatures were -8 C at 14:20 at 2320m. There was approximately 5-10 cm of new snow from Sunday night. In general, the snow was very good quality, even on south aspects below 30 degrees. Steep south aspects had up to 3 crusts in the top 40 cm above the March 15 crust. Non solar aspects: PS = 25 cm, PF = 50 cm. We avoided Tent Ridge bowl as it had lots of tracks and choose to ski one of the east facing avalanche paths off Tent Ridge. Tryst Lake has significant tracks, but all other descents were superb. In general a great day in the mountains with awesome snow. Get it well it's good. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes, Steep slopes, Sunny slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Powder.

Weather Conditions

Cold, Cloudy.