Public Observation – Arctic Valley backcountry

Two skiers skinned to the summit of Mount Gordon Lyon with the intention of skiing the NW aspect towards the highway.  Light snowfall the previous two days partnered with a consistent winds from the N/NE indicated the NW aspect may be skiable with minor wind loading.

Upon observation from the summit the skiers confirmed their beliefs – the W/NW aspect of Gordon Lyon had 10-30 cm of wind blown snow accumulated near the ridgeline with progressively lesser amounts lower down the slope.  Flat light, some exposed rocks, icy terrain and time constraints prohibited the skiers from descending the slope, but the aspect appeared stable and skiable.  An accidental “100 pound dog” test confirmed the stability from the ridgeline to approximately 100 feet lower.