Winter has finally arrived to the Alpine with approximately 40 cm of new in
the Rockies and approximately twice that amount having fallen in the
Columbias at the upper elevations this week. This new snow has allowed for
some decent travelling on skis on smooth slopes at and above treeline. The
other factor that is helping the travelling is the presence of a series of
strong melt freeze crusts in the lower snowpack. The upper crust in the
series was buried on November 2nd and will become a major bed surface as
the winter progresses. In the Rockies there is only about 30cm of snow over
the crust and the bond is good at present, but a layer of mixed forms and
facets just above the crust that is already forming, and with the current
steep temperature gradient it is bound to get larger and will create the
perfect combination of weak layer over smooth bed surface. Steep lee
features in the alpine should be treated with caution with this barely
baited mouse trap.
The other major hazard is thinly covered rocks, and adventurers in the
slack country adjacent to Sunshine today were seeming to think that their
bones were impervious to them. Take it easy with the marginal early season
conditions!
Access to the Icefields would be arduous, but good travel conditions should
be expected on the ice. Strong winds associated with the snowfall this week
will have covered many of the crevasses, possibly with only very thinly.
Take your glacial travel gear (rope harnesses and prussics) and make good
use of a probe if you are headed that way.
Ski and avalanche condition reports are minimal from the Columbias, but one
party reported excellent skiing at treeline in the Sale Mountain area north
of Revelstoke. Access was by 4 X 4 truck, sled then ski touring. A
snowpack of well over a meter with a well settled base was the extent of
the snow report for this region. Access will be an issue for those headed
out, and it is quite likely that the November 2nd crust will also be found
in the Columbia Mountains.
Ice climbing conditions in the Rockies are getting better daily on north
facing slopes with multiple ascents in Ranger Creek, and of the Replicant
and Nemesis reported. A size 1.5 slab avalanche was noted above Bourgeau
Left hand (not formed) that likely ran on the crust, so the usual cautions
about climbing below steep loaded bowls definitely apply. Be ready for thin
sections with less than ideal screw placements.
This is the last scheduled Mountain Conditions Report for the season, as
the regular avalanche bulletins from Parks Canada and the public avalanche
bulletins from the Canadian Avalanche Center are beginning. Have a great
winter and look for up to date climbing conditions here throughout the
season!
Brad White
IFMGA Mountain Guide
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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.
