Poor Snowpack Structure

No avalanche activity in Dry Canyon had occurred during the recent widespread natural avalanche cycle. None of the major W, NW and N avalanche paths had evidence of slides, nor large open slopes with S, W or N aspects potentially prone to avalanching (note, we did not have a view of the cirque). Cold temperatures appear to have locked up the snowpack considerably. There is little loose snow on the surface, so although there was some wind-loading occurring on N and NE slopes, it was minimal. Some shallow wind slabs were noted just below a NW facing ridge top, the extent of which was not investigated. S and SW aspects had previously been wind scoured and subjected to melting.