Skied the Mt. Aylwin area over the past 3 days. On Jan 13th the freezing level went to ~1800m with high SW winds loading northerly aspects. This recent wind transported + new snow, sits on top of Jan 11th surface hoar.

There was an extensive avalanche cycle yesterday with natural and cornice triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 on polar aspects, running on the Jan 11th SH.

Today, we found 10-15cm low density HST overlying extensive windslab in exposed features and a melt-freeze crust below 1800m. Jan 11th SH is down 25cm, Dec 30 SH down 50cm, Dec 7 FC/crust down 100cm and the Nov 5th crust about 25cm from the ground. Cornices are large and sagging.

Generally moderate to hard RP results,
with snowpack testing; ECTP24, 27 on Jan 11 SH above TL, although we did have numerous settlements and cracking whilst skiing today.

Overall HS is ~180cm above TL with significantly less on Solar aspects. Currently, on the surface is SH to size 10mm on all aspects.

David Bryan
Apprentice Ski Guide