Kickers in the Swan

Tour in the Swan to 7150’

• Flat light and low clouds limited our ability to observe any previous avalanche activity or debris.
• 2" of moist surface snow at the trailhead (3500’) and up to 6” of soft surface snow at upper elevations (7100’).
• On the skin up, we saw extensive rime growth on trees, brush, and on the snow surface.
• At 5500’ we noticed that the snow on the windward aspect of the ridge felt like walking on styrofoam, along with minor cracking underfoot, and some isolated whumpfing.
• Cornice growth was observed at mid and upper elevations from southwesterly winds (photo).
• We dug numerous hand pits starting at 5600’, which revealed 4-6” of recent soft snow sitting on a 2” stout crust from 1/13 (photo).
• As we gained elevation, the 1/13 crust transitioned to a thinner crust that eventually turned to 2 distinct 5cm ice layers at 6800’ to 7k.
• We aimed to ski a wind-sheltered, northwestern aspect, however the upper elevation ridges had significant wind drifts of up to 5’ dunes that seemed more like skiing kickers in the terrain park (photo). The freestyle team does not need to worry about us joining.