Climax

Skied SW slopes between 2050 and 1650 m elevation. Open lanes between trees were sheltered from wind effect that was generally otherwise observed at higher elevations and on other aspects. These sheltered SW aspect slopes maintained high quality snow and ski conditions were great.

A skier triggered a size 0.5 shallow (~10 cm deep) wind slab on an isolated terrain feature just below a ridge line in the alpine on a SW facing slope. The skier was able to ski out of the sliding material and was not caught.

Dug a pit at 1850 m elevation on 33 degree dipping SW slope. Location was sheltered from wind effect. HS 170 cm, hard crust observed at a depth of 80 cm with 1-2 cm of facets overlying this layer. CT performed. CTH3 RP 15 cm; CTH6 RP 50 cm. No failure on 80 cm crust.