Today I spent most of the day ski touring around sun-drenched Chester Lake. The snow pack here is about 120 cm deep above the lake (W aspect) and heavily facetted, as is the case everywhere in the Rockies right now. The Hallowe'en Crust was down about 40 cm. A Compression Test produced one moderate result (sudden planar) in a layer somewhat above the crust down about 35 cm, and a second produced no result. The whole area has seen a fair bit of wind and low angled south aspects were moist and/or lightly sun crusted. High was +5 today but it still felt cool, with a light breeze off and on. We skied wind affected planar slopes to 30 degrees.

While this is really a great time to be going after all of the steep lines begging to be skied in K-Country, what should be at the very top of your priority list is the amazing ice skating to be had on Spray Lake right now. I've done a lot of lake skating but my hour long lap on Spray on my way home this evening ranks as one of my best skates ever. Get it before the next snow falls (sadly that might be a while...) but be sure to go prepared: partner, PFD, and throw line and/or ice claws.

Tom Wolfe
Mountain Guide, ACMG/IFMGA
Guided Heli-accessed Ski Touring Lodges and Avalanche Skill (AST) Courses - www.sawback.com/current-trips/