Submitted on behalf of Sylvain Hebert, ACMG Ski Guide:
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I went for a ski up towards Ursus trees today.

The recent storm snow is not consolidated yet and makes for deep trail breaking and somewhat slow downhill progress. The storm snow is slightly “upside down” meaning that it is stiffer and denser at the surface with a softer layer below. A thin suncrust formed on steeper pitches of slopes facing the sun.

One fresh size 2 ran to the top of the fan on Cheops North 1 during last night’s storm. Frequent flier ran size 2 to valley bottom but the debris was covered by 20-30cm of fresh snow.
A few thin small slabs were observed below Bruins ridge towards Ursus Basin
Older avalanche debris can still be seen on the fan of Cheops North 4 and Cheops North 6.

There is evidence of wind transport and wind effect in the valley towards Balu Pass and in the alpine terrain.

A test profile was dug at 1850m on a NE aspect. No major shears were observed in the recent storm snow. Snowpack depth is 170cm with the Halloween crust 110m down from the surface. This crust is not looking good and is still spooky with large faceted crystals below it which do not inspire confidence with a soft resistance at 4F. A moderate compression shear was found 15cm above the crust on small facets.

This prominent weak layer could be bad news in wind loaded areas and/or near a shallow snowpack.

Keep this layer in mind for the next while!

Fun day out with good skiing to the valley (aldery and bushy in many spots), with a bit of sunshine coming through! Saw roughly 30 people out in that area.

take care,

Sylvain Hebert
ACMG Ski Guide
Guided Heli-accessed Ski Touring Lodges and Avalanche Skill (AST) Courses - www.sawback.com/current-trips/