Climbed Crowfoot Mountain today with Arian S. and Matt M.
Skies were broken with light west winds and temperatures at ridgetop in the -20's. As everyone is surely aware by now HSL conditions predominate in TL and ALP areas. A few cm's of dust makes the skiing bearable where this HSL is smooth, but otherwise the ski quality is poor with dramatic 50cm high sastrugi on the glacier. Hs on the glacier was 150cm. BTL the snowpack is still weak and facetted, but there is the odd good turn in sheltered areas where the snowpack has enough strength to keep you off the ground. Otherwise, if you venture off the beaten track you quickly find yourself standing on the ground, about knee-deep in facets. Though avalanche hazard is in the moderate range, there is still concern for shallow snowpack areas where the HSL exists. Of specific concern are morainal areas.
Having said all this, we decided that though overall ski quality was less than desireable, it was still a great day to bag a peak while enjoying some chilly, but beautiful weather.
Play safe out there.
Jeremy Mackenzie
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
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