Took a tour up Commonwealth Creek in Kananaskis Country today (Nov 29). Travel is pretty grungy in the lower forest. The Nov 7 rain crust is supportive for the most part but still lots of alders and deadfall to work around. Once near treeline the snowpack became deeper but only 75cm compared to the main ranges where we were finding between 120cm - 150cm (Surprise Pass, Emerald Peak, Bow Summit). Ski penetration was ~20-25cm in faceted powder. The day was bluebird and warmed up to a chilly -16 C (as opposed to -27 C at the car at 10:30am).
Obviously, the snow is cold which made for slow-motion skiing back down. Once back in the trees numerous early season hazards still abound with barely covered stumps, rocks and logs lurking just below the surface.
No new avalanche activity observed but we did see the odd slab crown (24-48 hours old) during the drive along the Smith-Dorrien HWY. The deep gully on the north face of Commonwealth Peak had recent debris below it from sloughing. Lots of ridgetop wind transport observed up high.
All-in-all, a fine day complete with a proper bushwhack, cold faces and boot-top powder.
Sean Isaac
Assistant Alpine Guide