08 Jan 2012 - AST1

I was teaching the field day component of an AST Level 1 today. It was pretty busy up there with three separate groups also taking the Avalanche Safety Camp courses provided by the Japan Avalanche Network. Busy times for JAN - a healthy and positive sign. Temps remained cold and winds were light, though enough sunlight got onto solar aspect in the morning to create thin sun crust by the afternoon cool off. We travelled on south slopes between 1650m and 1900m where there was well settled stable snow with soft old powder on the surface. If you are a backcountry skier, there is a lot of good quality stable snow to be had right now at tree line - unlimited untracked areas if you are prepared to enjoy some touring. Good ski quality and Low to Moderate avalanche danger according to the new JAN Avalanche Bulletin. Make the most of it.