Feb 20, 2010, - Blackcomb backcountry
2/20/10
Canada BC
1991
2
Great day in the Whistler backcountry. Took advantage of Moderate avy conditions and bluebird sky. Blackcomb ski resort almost devoid of people, they could have shot The Road movie there.
S facing slopes (Circle glacier run from East col) had a bit of crust but not bad. Lots of point releases from rocks after 11 AM but nothing stepping down.
N facing slopes wind hammered (from the NE winds over the preceding few days) at the top ( approx. the last 100 vert meters on Decker Glacier) but below that sweet dry powder over excellent base. Did three runs and had the most fun so far this year. Skinning up: no whumping or cracking observed.
Observed people skiing on Trorey Glacier, looked like they had great powder turns too with the exception of the last 100-200 vert meters below ridge tops.
Observed people skiing Finger Chutes, drop in looked windblown with a little bit of cornice/lip but lower parts looked great, they had some really great rooster tails behind them.
All in all Whistler is having a great snow this year.
Few photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/runningclouds/sets/72157623373839679/
S facing slopes (Circle glacier run from East col) had a bit of crust but not bad. Lots of point releases from rocks after 11 AM but nothing stepping down.
N facing slopes wind hammered (from the NE winds over the preceding few days) at the top ( approx. the last 100 vert meters on Decker Glacier) but below that sweet dry powder over excellent base. Did three runs and had the most fun so far this year. Skinning up: no whumping or cracking observed.
Observed people skiing on Trorey Glacier, looked like they had great powder turns too with the exception of the last 100-200 vert meters below ridge tops.
Observed people skiing Finger Chutes, drop in looked windblown with a little bit of cornice/lip but lower parts looked great, they had some really great rooster tails behind them.
All in all Whistler is having a great snow this year.
Few photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/runningclouds/sets/72157623373839679/
Thanks for the info & nice pics. - made me pull out the Whistler map. I thought all the areas (including backcountry) would be busy with the Olympic crowds, so have been avoiding it. Is there still a Hwy 99 travel restriction in place from 6am to 6pm?
Yes, one still needs a permit to travel north of Squamish.
We borrowed a friends' permit and their parking spot. Lucky us!
Exactly what happened in Salt Lake City happening right now in Whistler.
Everybody staying away makes for great skiing for those who manage to get there.
We borrowed a friends' permit and their parking spot. Lucky us!
Exactly what happened in Salt Lake City happening right now in Whistler.
Everybody staying away makes for great skiing for those who manage to get there.
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