from the ridge crest into Flat Creek. A profile just below the ridge
showed easy planar shears down 10cm and 30cm, a moderate shear down 55cm,
and a hard shear down110cm. The layer down 10 was forming a soft slab
which cracked and propagated 5-10 meters from our skis, causing significant
sluffing in steep terrain. We skied a conservative line on the edge of the
path, which still required sluff management.
Yesterday, a skier on Cheops (hourglass) triggered the same layer. He was
caught but was able to ski out of it. The slide ran 300m to valley bottom.
There was a significant natural cycle on this layer throughout Glacier park
throughout the day.
Today as of 8am, we have another 20-30 cm load on this layer, increasing
the likelihood and consequences of skier triggered avalanches.
Sylvia Forest
Mountain Guide
Alpine Specialist
MRGNP
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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.