New Blogger-based archive for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides' public Mountain Conditions Report mailing list. See http://acmg.ca/mcr for details.
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Saturday, December 30, 2006
[MCR] Professor Falls, Dec 30
Friday, December 29, 2006
[MCR] Fire Cut Line North of Mt. Stanley, Kootenay National Park
[MCR] K-Country skiing
[MCR] Callaghan Country Backcountry Lodge
Thursday, December 28, 2006
[MCR] Rogers Pass Dec.28-06
I was up Little Sifton via Grizzly shoulder/bowl today under glorious Sunshine and cool temps. Another 5-10 cm.s overnight added to the previous storm snow making for some deep (40-60cm. ski penetration) tracksetting whenever you got tired of the usual straight up track on Grizzly shoulder. There was some heating of steeper sunny aspects – seen as moist snow on a steep SW facing traverse we did climbing out of Grizzly bowl.
Up higher you could feel old wind affect below the more recent low density snow but it wasn’t too thick where we traveled nor would it shear cleanly when tested. No wind to speak of today but you could see streaming snow off the higher peaks(over 10,000 ft.) in the am. I was surprised by the lack of recent wind effect in the area – but it did make for some great deep skiing. No recent avalanches observed short of some point releases (loose snow sloughs) in real steep terrain and no results from ski cuts or tests.
Lots of people in the pass and something to consider if there is any overhead hazard and people are above you – hard to say where people will ski these days.
Cheers,
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide
[MCR] Johnson Canyon Ice climbs
Went into the Upper Falls at Johnson Canyon today.
The main area, on the right side, was fat as per usual with lines form WI2 to 3.
The pillars to the left were either not touching or just barely touching down. They looked scary with a lot of large hanging icicles all around. I wouldn’t top rope any of them right now.
This area is very hazardous for the unwary and uninformed. Many climbers and especially the ‘canyon walkers’ do not realize the hazard under these daggers. Stay very clear of them and warn those that don’t.
Regards,
Rob Owens
Alpine Guide
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
[MCR] Monashee Mountains - Mt. MacPherson Dec.26-27/06
I have spent the last couple of days close to home skiing on
Dec.26 - @30cm. storm snow from just before Xmas – no real slab and limited wind affect as far as treeline (7,000 ft. - I didn’t get any higher – a bit of a late start).
Dec.27 - @15-20cm. of snow overnight means rebreaking the trail from yesterday – a lot more wind today as the ridge built in behind the system – so lots of wind affect at and above treeline – lots of touchy soft slabs forming where I turned around – which was about 1,000ft. lower than yesterday – still good skiing (okay amazing) skiing where it is below treeline and protected from the winds.
Tomorrow will be the first blue sky day in a while so tread gently if you are foraying above treeline over the next few days.
Cheers,
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide
[MCR] Black Prince / Kananaskis Provincial Park Wednesday Dec. 27
Monday, December 25, 2006
[MCR] Monashee Mountains - Gorge Road - Dec.22-23/06
I spent Dec.22-23 skiing the Gorge road area in the Monashees west of Revelstoke.
On Dec.22 there was @15cm of new snow that had fallen overnight and covered a very thin (2mm.) freezing rain crust that must have formed at the beginning of the storm. The crust itself was not even noticeable when skiing (other than the noisy pole plants). There had been a little wind transport right at the
Reports from the Mt.
On Dec. 23 there was a further 15-20 cm. of very low density snow – similar wind affect limited to the
Last night in Revelstoke we received another 15cm. of snow from Santa – so it was a truly White Christmas.
Best of the Season to you all,
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide
Friday, December 22, 2006
[MCR] Guiness Gully
Thursday, December 21, 2006
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 21 Dec 06
above 1000 m. The temperature has not risen above freezing, all the
precipitation fell as snow, and the winds continue strong from the
south. The 6 December raincrust is now 60 cm down at this site at 1500
m, but other parties have found this crust absent or much thinner in
other areas of the Bulkley Valley. There are several shears in the
storm snow, but the moderate temperatures will settle those out
quickly. Of more concern is the continuing loading. There is a lot of
wind transport in the alpine and at timberline, and more snow and wind
are forecast. Expect widespread windslabs that could be more than 60
cm thick in places. A stiff layer in the storm snow could propagate
far if the load increases enough.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
[MCR] Shooting Star, Dec 20
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 19 Dec 06
Mountain with yesterday's rain. Numerous size 2 soft slabs ran in the
steep terrain, starting at 1800 to 2000 m. On a helicopter check
flight this morning, no recent fracture lines were visible in the flat
light. The temperature was -9 C at 2000 m with moderate wind transport
caused by strong southerly wind. Avalanches terminated well back from
the road.
Soft slabs ran over both the main falls in Glacier Gulch as well as
over the 'Left of Left' falls.
I suspect that there are numerous windslabs that can be triggered by
skiers or snowmobilers. The resulting avalanches will probably not be
overly large, but certainly in the size 2 range. Settlement will be
slow with the current lower temperatures.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 19 Dec 06
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Monday, December 18, 2006
[MCR] Weeping Wall Ice
[MCR] West side of the Monashees
[MCR] Evening Ridge Nelson Dec 17
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2006 11:16:17 -0700
From: J McBurney
Toured up evening ridge yesterday. Beautiful day. Cold temps ( -13 at 8am on
the whitewater road, and -9 at 1pm on the whale's back ridge 2100m ). The
sunshine had little effect on the snow surface, even on south facing
terrain. Average snow depth 200 cm.
So it's been a few days since the big snow and wind ended, but there are
still suspect looking pillows of windslab in many start zones and in cross
loaded gully features in open areas, from the wind at the end of last week
which blew strong from the SW then swung to West and NW at the end of the
storm.
The cool calm weather we're enjoying now will help settle out these surface
instabilities with time. However this weather also favors the development of
surface hoar, which we observed, up to 10mm at ridgetop, and smaller ( 2 - 3
mm below treeline ). If these continue to grow and are not knocked down by
wind, they will be a concern when they are covered up with the next
snowfall.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and bonded, coverage is great for
this time of year, temperatures are forecast to remain cool, so get out
there and play safe !
Joel McBurney, ACMG Ski Guide
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Professor Falls
E: m_stuart@telus.net
Sunday, December 17, 2006
[MCR] Roger's Pass
50-70 cm of storm snow fell late last week, followed by wind and then about 10 cm of low density fluff on top of it all. The skiing is fantastic, overall snowdepth at treeline averages about 250 cm. Temps have remained cool (-10 to -15), and winds light last two days.
Various storm snow shears in the upper 50 cm that are getting stronger each day, today still showed an instability down about 35 cm. Probably some windslabs at treeline and above that are sitting on this instabilty, but overall things seemed to be strengthening nicely.
Saw evidence of an avalanche cycle to size 3 in the backcountry, most stuff ran on Friday. Observed no fresh avalanches on either Saturday or Sunday, and skied steeper glades each day but avoided steep start zones still.
Enjoy.
Grant Statham
Mountain Guide
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
[MCR] Jasper Area Snow and Ice Conditions
Icefields Parkway. Aside from some wind affected surfaces in the alpine the
skiing is excellent, with the deepest snowpack in years (maybe decades). With
the excellent travel conditions below treeline, this would be a good year to do
some exploring, and ski some of the routes that normally have horrendous trail
breaking to ground.
No recent natural avalanche activity has been observed in the Jasper area, and
explosive testing has resulted in bomb holes in the snow, and maximum size 1
sluffing.
The ice climbing is also excellent, with numerous climbs along the icefield
forming, and many rarely formed climbs are 'in'.
Keep in mind this is not a 'normal' December, relative to the past several
seasons. There is more snow, and therefore more severe consequences if you are
involved in a skier/climber triggered or natural avalanche.
There is a lot of snow and ice to play on, so focus on the areas/routes that
are not threatened by avalanche and cornice hazard. This is shaping up to be
one of the best seasons on record.
Jordy Shepherd
Mountain Guide
Revelstoke/Jasper
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Monashee Mountains - Mt. Macpherson Dec.15-06
Big dump overnight Thursday (30-40cm. in Revelstoke) made driving anywhere to ski Friday out of the question – so I spent the day on
Today is bluebird so I am sure that people are going to venture up high for the first time since this series of storms hit us – hopefully the cooler temps will have tightened up the snowpack a bit but watch out for those windslabs from earlier this week.
Play safe,
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide
Friday, December 15, 2006
[MCR] Unicorn, Kitty Hawk and Avalanche conditions on the parkway.
The route is extremely fat and is actually touching
down. It will need a bit more time till you would want
to jump on it as a pure ice route as the bottom of the
two pillars are only attached by a few icicles. We
found good ice on the first pitch with only a few
steps onto the rock needed. As well we only placed a
.25-.5 inch piece of gear for a small step over the
roof. All other gear was ice screws. The upper pitch
was much easier than the given M7 rating as you could
stem off the ice and rock throughout the difficulties.
The last bolt (the ones marked off route in the mixed
guidebook) protects the 10 feet of steeper ice.
Kitty Hawk is also in very good condition.
Although there wasn't much new snow in David Thompson
country, there was up to 20 cm's of new snow at the
Bow summit. This tapered off as you headed north. With
the new snow and high winds throughout the day we
noticed alot of snow moving around up high on Mount
Wilson and adjacent peaks.
You will want to think about the terrain above the ice
climbs you choose this weekend as I imagine there
will be some natural activity and soft slabs on some
of the approaches.
.Craig McGee, IFMGA
__________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Reality Check
at the bottom, which makes for the steepest climbing I've had there
yet. Sustained WI5 for 45 m. The ice is solid and takes full length
screws well. There are two climbable lines on the falls, but the
climber's left one has lots of chandeliers. The access from the bottom
of the Ski Smithers chairlift is fast and easy. Do bring skis.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
[MCR] Glacier Gulch Ice 14 Dec 06
in and fat. We climbed the middle falls which were in good shape with
two steep sections. It seems like a big avalanche swept the right hand
falls on 19 November, but nothing big has slid since. The creek is
well covered and allows good skiing where last year one had to walk it
with crampons.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 14 Dec 06
10 to 30 cm of snow on the 6 December raincrust are settling and
bonding well. The crust reacts to compression tests with hard results
that compact progressively. Ski cutting in steep terrain only led to
sluffing on the crust. We saw no new avalanche activity. Skiing
quality was good where the crust is not exposed by wind.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
[MCR] Selkirk Mountains - Corbin Pass - Dec.11-13/06
Hi gang,
I have been busy skiing the trees at
Lots of wind even down below treeline on Tuesday Dec.12 – less so today and Monday – I was barely into the treeline elevation today but I suspect that there are some lingering windslabs up there as well as in the Alpine from yesterdays wind event. There was a weakness in the snowpack down 30cm. yesterday, but it tightened back up with the cooling temps today and wasn’t reactive to ski’s – at least where I was skiing.
On Monday at @2200m. there was @ 130cm. of snow over the Nov.7/06 crust and a total snowpack of @ 200cm. - there is an additional 40-60cm. since then from the last storm systems. The Nov.7/06 crust was 5-10cm. thick and the snow above seemed well bonded and quite strong.
So there has been lots of snow (and it looks to continue) and a fair bit of wind so be wary traveling above or at treeline for the next while – in the long term however all this snow should make for a strong snowpack – and in the short term there is some fantastic tree skiing to be had out there.
Also of note is the fact that Telus is now setting up cell towers along the Trans Canada highway from Revelstoke and through out the Roger Pass – so far the west side is done (so there is cell service at Corbin area as well as the Asulkan Parking lot – I haven’t got it at the hotel yet) – bring your cell phones(with the ringer turned off of course) and see where you get service in the backcountry – a worthy emergency device to carry – but it won’t cover everywhere out there, so nice to know where you do and don’t get a signal.
Keep them slippery side down,
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide
[MCR] Recital Hall, Ghost River Ice
Guided Aquarius, Fearful Symmetry, and Rainbow Serpent today. What an amazing day of ice climbing!
Aquarius is dry and fat, WI4
Fearful Symmetry is a full 70m up to WI6. It has sections of overhanging ice with good protection except for the first pillar. Dry.
Rainbow Serpent: Dry ice w/ good rests between awkward and funky moves.
Very windy today (west). Beware of the unsupported and sublimating ice features that are numerous in the Recital Hall. We saw one significant dagger break off spontaneously due to the wind.
Rob Owens
ACMG Alpine guide.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
[MCR] Rogan's Gully and Coire Dubh Integrale
[MCR] Shooting Star and Mixed Master
Yesterday guided ‘Shooting Star’ on Mt. Wilson. The route is in good shape: mostly dry and solid. The first pitch will not last long with some sunny days. The route is in WI5/5+ shape right now. It snowed lightly all day with moderate winds and mild temps. Isolated slabs were forming throughout the day.
Today guided ‘Mixed Master’ near the Weeping Wall. The route is in fat shape. The crux is the 5.8 traverse pitch and the ice pitches feel like WI4 as they are very hooked out and protect well. 10cm ice screws are useful.
There were flurries and strong SW winds throughout the day. The snow was moving around a lot. I would be hesitant to climb under the snow bowls on Mt. Wilson or Cirrus in the coming days.
Rob Owens
Alpine Guide
[MCR] Bear Spirit, Dec 12
Saturday, December 9, 2006
[MCR] Malignant Mushroom, Dec 8
[MCR] some jasper ice
BS canyon (Gorbie Canyon) is in good shape! The waterfall out of the
hole is in as well.
Schwarz's on the west highway is in, fat as well.
Edge of the world is good, a bit wet on upper pitch but can be avoided.
Peter...
Peter Amann
Mountain Guiding
Box 1495, Jasper AB, T0E 1E0
780 852 3237
www.incentre.net/pamann
pamann@incentre.net
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
[MCR] Mixed Master
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
[MCR] Mt Wilson Ice Climbing
a rarely formed climb.
Be aware that there are two approach trails within 20 meters of each other,
6.8 km past the David Thompson Highway coming from Lake Louise. The left
hand trail leads to Shooting Star, the right hand one leads to Dancing With
Chaos.
Enjoy,
Grant Meekins
Alpine Guide
gmeekins@telus.net
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 6 December 06
bottom, southerly winds, and rain at higher elevations. We flew the
east flank of Hudson Bay Mountain at ten this morning and were
surprised to find less snow than expected, no slabs and wet surface
sluffs only in steep terrain. In the main start zone at 1800 m, some
of the bed surface from the 19 November cycle was still visible and
the cornices were small. There was a lot of wind effect from that
elevation on, with the upper mountain appearing stripped. We then
skied up to our observation site at 1500 m and found about 15 cm of
new snow, the top 6 cm of which were wet and very high density. It was
1.5 degrees above freezing, raining lightly, and there was a strong
southerly wind. The skiing was vile.
Even in steep terrain, ski cutting only led to surface sluffing. The
visibility was not very good, and we saw and heard no other slides.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
[MCR] Rogers Pass Asulkan Valley Dec.5-06
Went up Asulkan valley today as far as the Cleaver between the Sapphire and Dome Glaciers @2200m.
Snowing lightly all day (a skiff on the car at the end of the day) with a few blue sky breaks in the morning to lure us up above treeline – clouds settled in again by the later afternoon.
15cm. of snow in the track at valley bottom since yesterday afternoon bumped up to 25-30 by the time we began breaking trail above the Mousetrap making for 45cm+ ski pen and a good workout going uphill. Numerous small loose snow point release avalanches in this newer storm snow in 40 degree + terrain as well as skier triggered sluffs when we skied steeper terrain. No real slab in the upper snowpack as of yet and no wind effect in the terrain we were in though I am sure that may change higher up at ridge crest or wind exposed locations (looked like some wind action up high on the Youngs peak side of the valley.
All in all great (okay amazing) skiing but be aware of loose snow sluffs especially in confined features or where there is a consequence below you should you be swept off your feet.
One other thing , I am sure that Parks will have plowed out the parking lot by tomorrow but if you are in a 2 wheel drive make sure first as it was bumper deep in the Asulkan parking lot today.
Keep them slippery side down – at least when you land!
Cheers,
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide
[MCR] Dancing with Chaos
Monday, December 4, 2006
[MCR] Coast-Hurley Pass-Tenquil area
We found a prominent weak layer in the upper snowpack, that was settling out with warming temperatures. This layer was the interface between the snow that fell on Weds/Thurs (Nov 30) and the previous snow. In the Alpine this layer was very wind affected and varied from 5-50cm deep. At treeline and below this interface was 18cm deep and equally reactive, but the surface snow was very light. We saw two size 2 avalanches on steep NE terrain in the alpine that probably occurred on Thursday or Friday. In the alpine steep rolls would produce small avalanches (so we stayed away from the big stuff) and at treeline and below it would slough off.
In technical terms we were finding Easy to Moderate (SP) shears down 18cm (HST) on a cold stellar layer, which was preserved under 1F to P dense slabs in the alpine.
While we were out there we watch the Surface Hoar grow to about 1cm in size, before getting wiped out (in our valley) to about 1650m by above freezing temperatures.
We skied it like:
Saturday: Alpine-Considerable, Treeline-Moderate, Below Treeline-Moderate
Sunday: Alp-Moderate, TL-Moderate, BTL-Moderate
If I were to go back in the next few days I would be really keeping an eye out for that newly buried surface hoar layer and checking to see how the next layer down is reacting.
Conny Amelunxen
MG, ACMG
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Sunday, December 3, 2006
[MCR] Blackcomb Glacier E Col
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 3 Dec 06
we went to check the conditions at timberline. There were 6 cm of new
snow at 1100 m at a temperature of 0 degrees. At 1500 m, it was -1.5
with a light southerly wind and very light snowfall. About 10 cm had
accumulated since the 25th of November. There was marked wind effect at
timberline. Visibility was poor higher up, but I am confident that the
light snow of last week has been heavily wind affected. We could see no
new avalanche activity and ski cutting only led to sluffing which ran
slowly.
The snowpack showed several sudden planar shears, one on surface hoar 30
cm down. There may be pockets of that surface hoar buried in sheltered
locations, but I don't think it survived last week's winds in the alpine.
The forecast precipitation did not really materialize and the heavy
early winter snowpack seems to be settling well. Skiing quality in the
trees was fair due to tree bombs.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide, Bear Mountaineering and Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222
Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Canada
tel. 250-847-3351 fax: 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Monahsee Mountains Gorge Road Access
HI Everyone,
In interest in keeping good relations with the logging company that is keeping the road open up Gorge Ck. in the Monahsees please review the following message I received the other day from a colleague in forestry.
“Talked to LP on the
Until about the Christmas or so, the
Just beyond 12.5 km, there is active logging on the "new" road. At 12.5 (on the old road) LP has plowed out a parking lot and is requesting all tourers park in this lot and follow the old road to the 15.0 km point, where tourers then head up to Queest Mtn. On the new road, at 12.5 where the active logging is occuring, some ski tourers are wanting to get past the machiney during active logging. Don't do this, it isn't going over very well with the loggers, is dangerous and there is no real advantage to doing so, since the road isn't plowed beyond the active logging. Park at 12.5 and tour up the old road to bypass the active logging.
Normally hauling does not occur on weekends, however logging / machinery maintenance may (will) occur on weekends.
After the logging is finished at 12.5, that will be it for the season.
There is a potential for a lower elevation block at about 5 km, but the markets are so bad, it may not occur.”
Fred Thiessen
Manager, Southern Interior (East)
Sites and Trail Branch
Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts
Scott Davis
Best Ever Adventures
E-mail: sdavis@alpineadventure.com
Check out the website: www.alpineadventure.com
(250)837-9630
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Wednesday, November 29, 2006
[MCR] Commonwealth Creek, Nov 29
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
[MCR] Oboe Mountain, Whistler
Monday, November 27, 2006
[MCR] Lesser Flute, Whistler
Sunday, November 26, 2006
[MCR] The Gorge - Malakwa - Nov 26
Short day at the Gorge today, above Malakwa, near Sicamous. Temperature was minus 9 at 6000 ft / 1800 m, snowing less than a centimeter per hour, with light to moderate SW winds (probably stronger winds in the alpine). There was a 200 cm snowpack, and 70+cm of low density storm snow on the recent raincrust below 5500 ft / 1700 m. The only raincrust found above 1700 m is the Nov 7th crust, which is 20 cm thick and down 140 cm now. We skied a steep north facing line with well spaced trees. There was only surface sloughing on 35+ degree terrain.
Excellent ski quality, and great coverage with a supportive snowpack down to the road at 4500 ft / 1350m. There was even good skiing to be found in the lower cutblocks.
Driving back to Revelstoke there was a strong outflow wind at Three Valley Gap. Looked like good (but very cold) windsurfing.
Jordy Shepherd
Mountain Guide
Saturday, November 25, 2006
[MCR] east of Whistler Mountains boundary
[MCR] Connaught Creek - Rogers Pass
I was back at the pass today because yesterday was just too good to be true. We were up the Connaught drainage this time wound with a lap on Grizzly Shoulder with excellent ski conditions and then a run to punch a track up to Balu Pass – where we spent the rest of the day by ourselves in 40-60cm new, very light and and very cold new snow.
The shears down 15cm and 30cm are still present but not producing any significant results in areas skied today. Minor sloughing in steep features but no real mass or momentum to speak of. The winds were generally light from the north, gusting moderate and starting to transport snow up high on the shoulder up from Balu Pass just beneath 8812 peak, no slabbing observed at all today.
The weather was in and out but we got a reasonable look at the high country including 8812 bowl and the Cheops slide paths. No wind effect in 8812 bowl at all that we could see, and most of the paths off Cheops that affect the valley floor have sluffed off in the last 24 hours, all running to top or mid path elevations. All in all another fantastic day out at the pass... and its only November...
Skiing is excellent all round, reports from the Ursus area were 5 star as well. Hazard wise, things are changing with all the new snow lately and more on the way – keep your eyes open, tips up and repeat your ‘Obvious Clues’ as a mantra out there...Avaluate things carefully.
Ian Tomm
Assistant Ski Guide
[MCR] Falling Pillars
[MCR] Highwood Pass
Hwy #40 gate closes on Dec. 1. We were one of 6 cars parked in the area.
-22C at 11am in the parking lot with broken skies and a moderate wind from
the south that made us sprint into the trees for some reprieve.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an 80-85cm snowpack at 7500 ft. in the
trees. The Nov. crust sat about 10cm off the ground, 2cm thick with
facets and/or depth hoar beneath almost everywhere I looked for it.
About 15cm of fist density snow on 55cm 4 finger - 1 finger density snow
that sat on the crust. Below treeline the snow was not consolidated
enough to move on steeper features, but that changed in a hurry when we
reached treeline. Where the snow had any exposure to wind it was forming
a soft slab that produced moderate, resistant planer hand shears. The HS
also decreased to 40-50cm and some thinner spots with burried rocks - one
such spot producing a sizable settlement with cracks shooting for several
meters. I believe the wind had removed some of the HS beneath the most
recent storm snow as the surface was not visably affected until above
treeline where wind etching was evident. The alpine looked uninviting and
even a little scary with loaded pockets here and there, although I saw no
recent activity anywhere.
The best skiing was definately in the trees where we had great boot top
powder. Just above treeline and in more open areas we were getting the odd
"free stone grind".
At our high point of ~7700 ft. light wind transport had blown ~5cm of snow
in to our tracks in ~30 min.
On the drive home Whiteman's Falls looked quite thick, Kidd Falls looked
in typical condition and Amadeus was in although perhaps a bit stiffer
than the grade right now.
Cheers,
Shaun King
Asst. Ski & Alpine Guide
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Hudson Bay Mountain 25 November 06
southerly wind. There is wind effect to timberline and the upper
mountain shows a lot of wind effect. The 19 November avalanche cycle
has stripped the large start zones. The debris is blown off and
showing. Cornices are small. A profile at 1550 m shows 160 cm of snow.
There is a very easy shear on surface hoar 3 cm down, but we found no
rain crust, contrary to our expectations. The temperature gradient in
the top 50 cm is very strong.
Since the run down was variable and wind affected, we carried our skis
down into the path. Skiing quality was very poor on the avalanche
debris so we carried them all the way.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351 fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] Bow summit and Observation
with a few laps on the eastern slopes above the parking, then headed across
the HWY to an area just south of Observation Peak.
The goal, get a few turns and check things out.
It snowed lightly while I was there until 13:30. On the West side of the
HWY the wind was generally calm. On the East side (about 2.5 hrs later)
light winds with a few slightly stronger gusts (near my high point at
2510m).
On the Observation Peak side I could not observe higher elevation wind, as
the light was quite flat and visibility mostly poor above the trees. However
earlier I had not noticed any wind activity blowing of the rocky peaks above
the parking.
As I began to drive south the light was starting to improve as I neared
Lake Louise. I should of timed things better using satellite imaging
maybesome are not as skilled as others with technology, meaning me!
Above the November rain crust no significant layers to report, snow had low
density and provided good turns.
No visible avalanche activity. Cut a few roles with no result. All things
together it felt quite good going up and down. The temperature at my high
point taken on the east side was 22C (with a low tech thermometer).
Pat Delaney
ASS. Alpine guide
P.s.: Some times I trade my tools in for different toys!
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[MCR] Rogers Pass Connaught Drainage
Dispatchers trees and Ursus trees.
Snowing lightly all day, generally calm or light winds with some sudden
westerly gusts to moderate although up higher it seemed to blowing
harder. -12 at our high point.
About 150cm of snow at treeline, 120 cm on top of the Nov raincrust.
The entire upper part of the snowpack was fairly low density with no
major layers noted with probing.
A couple of size 1 soft slabs on steep rollovers in the immediate lees
of ridges. Some moderate sized cornices hanging around. No activity
today in the alpine that we could see in a couple of hours of decent
visibility although the light was flat. Overall, in the treeline areas
we skied things felt fairly benign although the light snow would be
transported by winds and form slabs fairly quickly.
Ski quality: super excellent. Cold smoke!
Mark Klassen
Mountain Guide
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
Friday, November 24, 2006
[MCR] Blackocmb "nearcountry"
the Blackcomb glacier drainage, accessed via the Spearman Gl. As for the
ski quality, it was quit exceptional, unprecedented for this time of year.
Good goggles are a necessity as you should be expecting a face shots with
most turns.
In Immediate lee steep ridge top terrain we were able to ski cut some
small soft slabs 30cm thick. There was limited propagation with these
slabs, but, this limited volume would typically initiate sluffing in the
upper 20-30cm of new snow. This resulting loose snow sluff is capable of
entailing enough volume to knock a skier off there feet or carry a skier
over or into hazardous terrain and even burry a skier in a terrain trap.
We accessed Husume via the Spearman Glacier. Thought limited opportunity
for visual observation, it appeared the coverage on the glaciers is very
good for this time of the year. Of further note, especially in the case of
the upper Spearman Glacier is that it has become more complex over the
summer. As a result, it would be very advisable in even previously
familiar glaciated terrain to us great caution when visibility is limited.
Keith Reid, MG
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
[MCR] FLavor of the month
A popular route lately.
However conditions have changed since its condition was first posted.
This is what i found:
It was not as wet as it was earlier in the week. But more snow than on my
first visit. The colum cracked while climbing it.
At the top i decided to go and take a look above the route, to familiarize
my self a bit more.
Above there is much wind loading and lots of snow! Over 1 meter penetration
in some sections.
Significant slab formation in the main shoot coming in from climbers
left(aprox 20cm thick) observed at about 40m above the route, already enough
material to take you off the route. At the top of the shoot maybe 300m away
a nice 1.5 to 2m cornice overhangs the line.
Basically those are the facts. The snow felt good but the terrain and the
volume did not. Maybe the next major snow fall or wind event.... At the
least I would pay serious attention to minize the exposure: on the approach
and during belays.
The terrain was bigger than i had thought and despite the current Hazard
posting i would find something else to do for a while.
Patrick Delaney
ass. alpine guide
_________________________________________________________________
Download now! Visit http://www.telusmobility.com/msnxbox/ to enter and see
how cool it is to get Messenger with you on your cell phone.
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_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.