Thanks to Bengul for leading this hike. I’m a new member as of late last year, and this was my second try to reach First Peak. Both days began in sunshine and ended in low visibility. Bengul’s leadership style is friendly, competent and low key. Decisions are collaborative. The forecast on Avalanche.ca was for moderate risk of loose snow avalanche on open slopes, and moderate risk of large avalanche triggered by cornice failure. At the point of our decision to turn around visibility was variable between 1/2 mile to a few hundred feet. As we were discussing the situation, the visibility lifted enough that we could see a large cornice on the bluff above us. Turning back felt like the right decision.
Thanks to Bengul and Jay for a great day!
Peter