I ski toured up to Asulkan Hut and Youngs Peak 15-16 December with friends.
I concur with Lydia's previous MCR. In addition, we found a rime crust on the final step of 7 steps between 2600-2700m. Above 2700m, up to 20cm new storm snow with minimal crust below. The best powder skiing is between 2600-2000m.
2 large parties skied Forever Young on 16 December. 1 reported a Sz 1.5 skier release on the fan, skiers' right hand side, from a shallow zone near rock; and variable conditions in the couloir.
Other observations:
1 Sz 2 observed on east aspect of Leda Peak, suspected wind slab, in past 48h.
1 Sz 2 observed in a south chute of The Ramparts, in past 24h.
Surface hoar from trail head to 2200m, size depending on elevation between 20-2mm.
Average snowpack between 2100-2900m is 170-240cm.
Brent Peters
Alpine Guide
PeakStratagem.com
