Selkirk Mountains -
Skied 3 days in the Pass this week today being the latest.
Biggest observation is the variability in the current snow surface – I was finding variable wind slabs in the alpine or 20 cm. of loose surface snow (faceted) depending on exposure to wind, some places were totally sheltered and provided great skiing – today there were sun crusts on steeper south through southwest aspects but not on the lower inclined slopes.
Then there is the surface hoar – inevitable after so many clear nights – observed 5-10mm. crystals in the valley bottom diminishing to 3-5mm. or less once you reached treeline – on the steep southerly aspects the surface hoar is sitting on the crust – not a great combination once loaded with new snow.
As well there was a delicate layer forming on the surface, comprised of large new snowflakes (stellars) that were falling out of the broken skies.
Also of note is the number of skiers in the Pass – so lots of lines have been skied over the last week. By the way you could see that surface hoar had grown in some of the old tracks.
No recent Avalanche activity everything we saw looked to be several days old.
The snow in the forecast will for sure be falling on a poor interface so I know I will be tip toeing around for a while if we receive any significant amount of snow.
Safe Travels
Scott Davis
Best Ever Adventures
E-mail: sdavis@alpineadventure.com
Check out the website: www.alpineadventure.com
(250)837-9630
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