Twas a chilly -24.5C when we left the van at 8h15 this morning but it warmed to a balmy -14C (approx -20C with wind chill) at our high point of 2400 metres. We found pretty much exactly what the Bulletin told us we would. Advanced surface facetting (sugar snow) and isolated surface hoar growth observed in size up to 10mm below treeline. It will be tricky to predict its location once the next snowfall arrives. Hopefully the forecasted warm temperatures will happen to settle this surface and eliminate this potential weak layer.
Of note were the strong alpine winds from the W-SW all afternoon. Big plumes of snow were being transported from ridgetops. Lee slopes at high elevations are loading as I type.
Ken Bélanger
TopCog Adventures | Outdoor Guiding & Adventure Travel
ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide, CAA2
