> Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester group.
>
> Weather:
> The high pressure moved in on May 21st bringing clear skies, west winds
> ranging from calm in the morning to moderate gusts in the afternoons.
> Overnight temps ranged from -4 to -7 with daytime highs of +6 to +10
> degrees.
>
> Snowpack:
> Snow school at Parker Ridge on the 20th found us postholing in a winter
> snowpack. Average foot penetration of 30cm with some 100cm+ in weak spots
> around trees in the forest. HS 250cm with a Melt/Freeze crust down 30cm
> and 60cm. The usual site for crevasse rescue is sporting a large cornice
> at the lower part. We climbed Boundary peak on May 22nd and found a dry
> winter snowpack on the glacier, snow depth was 160cm at 2500m with the
> same Melt/Freeze crusts down 15cm and 30cm at the base of the Boundary/
> Athabasca col. We descended a fair bit to the skier's left of the usual
> descent, to avoid a 15cm thick windslab, instead traveling down exposed
> scree and patches of snow that were below threshold. The overnight
> freezes provided good travel in the mornings on the way to Boundary, as
> well as the Athabasca Glacier (May 22-23) and stayed relatively
> supportive in the afternoon despite the warm temps. Traveling off the
> Athabasca Glacier on May 23rd in the afternoon, foot penetration averaged
> 20cm with some punchy spots.
>
> Avalanche Activity:
> Numerous avalanches were observed on solar aspects with the daytime
> warming. Evidence of several slab avalanches in the past few days were
> observed on all aspects, ranging from size 1 to 2.5, including two size 2
> releases from the top of Parker Ridge.
>
> Synopsis:
> It seems to be the beginning of the spring cycle with the onset of this
> warm weather. Many slopes are looking fat, wintery and are waiting for
> the right trigger. We were not keen on exposing ourselves to any big snow
> slopes overhead, or to venture out onto the bigger slopes that have not
> already slid. The warm temps are beginning the process of consolidation,
> but it is only the start, and the overnight freezes are not lasting long.
> Travel in avalanche terrain will rely on the strength of the freeze and
> the ability to be down long before things start to warm up and move.
>We choose to wear and carry avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel ,probe) for
>all of our time spent in avi terrain.
>Cheers
> Jason Billing
Assistant Alpine Guide
>
Mike Stuart
Alpine Guide/Assistant Ski Guide
>
>
>
>
_______________________________________________
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