Driving south from Bell II this morning, I observed numerous recent size
3 wet slabs in the Nass and Kispiox Ranges, particularly on east and
south aspects. Only a few of those went to ground as the cold
temperatures of the last few weeks have not allowed the whole snowpack
to warm up. In many cases, the trigger was a loose avalanche or cornice
fall that triggered massive slabs further down the slope. I observed
several fracture lines that were more than 300 m wide. A lot of hangfire
is remaining above those fracture lines and with continuing warm
temperatures I expect a lot more activity higher up and in more
northerly aspects.
North of Meziadin Lake, temperatures have remained cool. The maximum air
temperature was plus 3 at 1500 m in Sulphurets Creek yesterday. As long
as it stays cool, conditions are a lot more stable north of about the
56th parallel.
I recommend staying away from any exposed terrain this weekend, or to
travel extremely early and be off exposed terrain before 10 am.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the 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.