[MCR] Mountain conditions for the Whistler area

I spent the last few weeks ski touring throughout the Whistler area. There is widespread Surface Hoar on all aspects right up to ridge top, even on solar aspects where it's on top of a sun crust. On average I'd say the crystals are around 7-10mm (1cm) although in some areas it's even bigger. With the forecast of another clear day then light precip it seems unlikely that this layer will get destroyed before this interface gets buried. It is definitely going to be a layer to be concerned about once it gets some more snow on it.

Also of note was how much the settlement of the snowpack has caused many crevasse bridges to sag, a week ago things look alot different than they do now. I'd still say that it's wise to bring a crevasse kit and be more conservative where you may not have in the past.

Craig McGee, ACMG/IFMGA Mountain guide
craigskibum@yahoo.com

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