Rogers Pass Conditions 2018/10/30

I went for an early season ski tour in Rogers Pass yesterday and it was as you might expect. We were able to tour just above the parking lot in the morning and were able to skin the whole way albeit over enough dirt and rocks to make most cringe.

The snow above 1700m was quite supportive and once above 2000m, the height of snow was 80cm+.  There was just enough snow to make some delicate turns in an open glade above Connaught Creek.     There was lot's of evidence of wind transport and we found wind slabs in the lee of  N W to N E aspects ridgeline features up to 50cms.  The real hazard right now is the thin cover. Rocks, stumps and creeks are all lurking just below the surface and the difference between a good soft turn and a rock is only a matter of luck.  Travel below 1700m was slow and tedious but you could pick your way down the summer trail on skis up to the forest canopy. There the little morning snow we skinned on had melted throughout the day and as a result, we walked for about 500m.


 It was certainly better than not skiing but I would recommend waiting for some more precip below 1700m before making the trek to Rogers. If the current forecasts hold true then that may be as early as next week.