Skied 3 days over the past week in this area, including a day teaching AST2 on London Ridge for Summit Mountain Guides.

Access, for the most part is at the stage where most of the slide alder is no longer standing up, and yet is not completely flattened, making most trail breaking below 1550m difficult. (bring a saw) Above this, the snow accumulates rapidly with average HS of 160cm noted up to 2200m.

Snowpack, the recent storm snow today brought 15cm of low density HN. The Dec 13th SH layer was spotty and difficult to find. December 6th IFrc/SH layer 25-30cm down. This layer continues to produce results with instability tests. Below this is generally a well consolidated midpack with the Nov 5th 70-100 cm down.

Instability Testing: Generally, easy to moderate, SP or SC with repeatable ECTP results on Dec 6th layer at numerous locations and elevations (1700-2100m) No results on Nov. 5th Crust. No other signs of instability noted, no recent avalanches observed.

Ski quality was generally good above 1600m with ski pen of 15-20cm except on steep solar where the Dec 6th crust could be felt whlist skiing.

Overall, good conditions above 1600m but the recent snow on top of the Dec. 6th IFrc/SH/FC layer warrants concern, especially as the snow accumulates throughout the week.

David Bryan
ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide
CAA Professional member