We went looking for wind slabs and loose snow slides in the sidecountry near WMR. We found:
Despite this morning's cold temperatures, the afternoon's intense solar radiation was enough to leave near-surface snow moist at upper elevations and wet at mid elevations on steep, sunny slopes. Turns released rollerballs on moderately-angled, upper elevation slopes. With some pushing, we were able to trigger several small loose snow avalanches that ran slowly but far on the melt freeze crust below the new snow. Some natural loose snow slides released on very steep slopes midday, triggered by clumps of snow falling from trees and rocks. Some of these ran on the crust; some stayed in the recent snow. The snow on shaded slopes remained dry and soft.
We stuck to moderately angled slopes that were getting direct solar input, and found great skiing on steep slopes before the sun affected them or that remained shady all day. We had to hurry back to get last chair - which was, indeed, last chair of the season.
To 6800'
Took a few pushes to get them moving.
Released shortly after sun hit slope, triggered by snow falling from trees. Near-surface snow still dry at that point.
Guestimate of naturals in skook chiutes that had a little new snow on them and likely ran yesterday.
