high cloud did move in later in the day along with some valley fog. The
temperature was steady around -15C, colder in shaded valleys. The wind
was calm for the day until I reached the summit (2200m) where it was
light from the west.
I saw no evidence of wind slab or recent avalanche activity, but
surface hoar (4-6mm in size) was growing in the trees at around 1900m.
The snow depth was around 200cm in areas I checked above 1900m, about
125cm in the valley at 1450m. In the pit I dug at 2100m I found three
thin (5mm) ice crusts down 25, 33 and 58cm. The old faceted surface is
down about 78cm. The upper two crusts failed with moderate to hard
compression tests. These crusts will be something to keep an eye on in
the future.
The ski quality was excellent with ski penetration of about 20cm.
Coverage is good above about 1800m. Below that, I had to ski cautiously
around the usual christmas trees, stumps and fallen logs. The alder
lower down is partially covered, but skiing over it caused the stems to
spring back up. A moderate amount of sloughing occurred with aggressive
turns on steep (40*+) slopes.
Play safe out there.
Craig Hollinger
ACMG Assistant Ski 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.