To add to my previous MCR report. The size 2 avalanche on the standard ramp
on mt Athabasca occurred above the Serac cliffs. It was triggered by two
skiers on their way up. One was swept 200m down, over the serac cliff, and
fully buried 15cm under. The other person slid for 30m but stopped short of
the serac cliffs and was buried waist deep. They both were able to dig
themselves out, no injuries. They report 2 weaknesses in the snowpack at
this location upon their approach, one down 40-50cm was the culprit, and
another 1m down that did not release. 70% of the ramp is still in place.
Other parties coming off Columbia Icefields report intense wind transport
last night with slab development on lee aspects. Temperatures ranged from
-4 to -8 yet they said it felt "warm".
Garth Lemke
Public Safety Specialist
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide
Spécialiste, Sécurité publique
Guide de ski auxiliaire, Association des guides de montagne canadiens
Jasper National Park of Canada | Parc national du Canada Jasper
Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
P.O. Box 10, Jasper AB T0E 1E0 | C.P. 10, Jasper (Alberta) T0E 1E0
Garth.Lemke@pc.gc.ca
Telephone | Téléphone 780-852-6158
Facsimile | Télécopieur 780-852-6135
Cellular Phone | Téléphone cellulaire 780-852-8811
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
www.pc.gc.ca/jasper
Think GREEN! Please don't print this email unless you really need to.
Soyez ÉCOLO! N'imprimez ce courriel que si vous devez vraiment le faire.
_______________________________________________
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.