Eric Dumerac- IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
www.msacourses.com
1-877-309-7673
Tell the whole story with photos, right from your Messenger window. Learn how!
New Blogger-based archive for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides' public Mountain Conditions Report mailing list. See http://acmg.ca/mcr for details.
Eric Dumerac- IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
www.msacourses.com
1-877-309-7673
On Thursday, temps got up to -3.0 in the shade, skies mostly cloudy.
Overall, ice was plentiful and soft, mostly dry. At ~11:30, the sun
had just briefly come on to the uppermost sections of the face and we
had just traversed the big bench in the middle (just above where the
pencil tops out) and were racking up at the base of the headwall when
a summit cornice well to climber's right of the last pitch broke off.
(Yesterday's collapse also occurred at about the same time.) The
sonic boom when it released allowed us just enough time to look up
and witness armageddon carom off the face and come straight towards
us. We just made it under a rock alcove before most of the bench was
strafed with large blocks of ice and rock, including the base of and
first pitch of the headwall. Multiple 3-5m wide impact craters
resulted along the bench.
That said, right now there are still numerous remaining cornices
threatening the upper tier, although none of these are visible from
the threatened area. These were likely formed during reverse loading
conditions by the early winter arctic outflow systems, and are still
extensive along the ridge above the climb. Currently, the sun does
directly hit those to the left of the climb late in the morning, and
the headwall pitches may be exposed to these. Something to watch out
for.
Carl Johnston, RG
Nicholas Rapaich, AAG, ASG
_______________________________________________
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.
Eric Dumerac- IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
skiXperts.com 1-877-309-7673
In case you are curious what shape the Singing Pass Trail is in:
I skied down at a leisurely pace from Oboe Creek in about 30 min. Some wet areas had pretty thin snow. And the cross creeks on the road are nasty, but someone built (and even wanded) booters on the uphill side of the larger crossings - so if you have enough speed……. I did not try these.
Generally the trail is not easy as it is frozen and grabby but it is fast.
Skiing quality from ridge top to the trail was quite good throughout. With 15-25 cm ski pen.
Dave Sarkany SG
NRC: The surface hoar is down 80 - 90 cm at treeline. We had a massive whumpf while digging a pit. A couple more when three of us jumped together. The layer is hard to trigger, but if triggered has the potential to release large avalanches. Ski quality was good. A thin, breakable sun crust formed on more sun exposed aspects.
Hospital Bowl: Great skiing, only a bit wind stiff on some spots. We did not find the late December surface hoar above 2200m. A pit below Ursus Minor Col showed a strong and well consolidated snowpack with a thin ice lense about 80 cm down that seemed to bond well to the layers above and below. Lots of old avalanche debris from the last storm cycle on various aspects. New surface hoar was building rapidly around tree line.
Lookout Notch: Strong wind effect in the entire Illecilleweat drainage above 1600-1700 m.
Overall improving conditions. Still watch out for the late December surface hoar in particular in unreleased slopes around treeline and large steep openings below
treeline. This layer is still good for surprises.
Mountain Guide (IFMGA/UIAGM)
OnTop ltd
1-800 506 7177
Climbed Bourgeau left today. On route we found near perfect conditions. Despite some sun affect on the first and last pitch gear was good. The anchor at the top of the second pitch is basically done and needs total replacement. A single bolt hole is visible and appears to be full depth, making for what i beleive to be a quick 3/8" replacement does not look like 10mm(?).
On another note, the trail was good but once in the open became hard to follow due to recent wind/snow cover. We followed the harder surfaces to the base of the route in order to avoid punching to our knees. For the most part we found good support over shallow sections of wind/temperature affected snow.
Depending on the snow that comes in over weekend (possibly as much as 20cm without considering wind and colder overall temperatures) the approach might take on a completely different feel. I don't get the feeling the snow will stick too well to the steeper sections.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Canada
tel. 250-847-3351/ fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
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.
I was skiing on the NE side of Flute into the Oboe drainage today. Very good if not excellent quality snow with about 30cm ski pen and 60 cm foot penetration.
The last few days of new snow is still bonding a bit loosely. We could ski cut steeper areas and get small slab releases to about 45cm down from the surface. A pit at about 1800m showed easy and moderate results 20cm and 45cm down from the surface. The 45cm test popped out very clean on a layer of stellar. The upper 45 cm was Fist to a hard 4 Finger density. Saw no new natural avalanche activity.
All this encouraged conservative decisions. The Avalanche Hazard at tree line was Considerable today. The weather cleared up beautifully before sunset.
Dave Sarkany
SG
Skied in the Mollars area in the Kicking Horse slack country Jan16/17. The late December surface hoar is down 40-60 cm now in below treeline to treeline elevations and VERY reactive. We observed numerous, heavy and widespread whumpfing, remote triggered a 2.5ish slab, and counted
3 other skier triggered 1.5-2ish slabs. Most of the snowpack below the surface hoar layer is strongly faceted.
Thomas Exner
Mountain Guide (IFMGA / UIAGM)
In spite of balmy temps of up to 5 degrees today, the Canmore Junk Yards are in “as good as it gets” type of shape right now. Only a few drippy spots and lots of plastic ice – largest hazard is the icy road when walking in to the power plant.
Cheers,
Jorg Wilz
Mountain Guide (IFMGA / ACMG)
OnTop ltd.
www.ontopmountaineering.com
1-800 506 7177 or (001) 403 678 2717
We toured around Baldy Rocks and The Crags and made ski runs on
southeastern and southern aspects through an elevation range of 2200m to
1800m. We dug two hasty pits on different aspects at 2100m. The Dec 29
surface hoar was found down 70cm on the western aspect and reacted to
moderate to hard compression tests with planar shears. On the
southeastern aspect the Dec 29 crust (no surface hoar) was down 35cm and
produced no results. On both aspects the storm snow was reacting to
moderate compression tests with progressive failures. We skied mostly
moderate terrain, but ski cutting steeper convex rolls produced only
sloughing. There was no evidence of recent avalanche activity although
there was some snowballing on the lower southern aspects.
There seemed to be a 'stepped' temperature change around the 2000m
level. Below this elevation the temperature was near freezing, above
the temperature was -3. The sky was overcast most of the day with a
brief sun appearance mid-day. Later, a system moved in and snow was
falling when we got back to the car at 3:30PM. At the lower elevations
the snow was moist. While skinning up from the bottom of our runs, the
snow was starting to ball up under our skis.
Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.
_______________________________________________
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.
While conditions are decidedly ugly right now, we are looking forward to
a freeze that will lock in the surface hoar where it has not released.
Those conditions are quite unusual and we are moving around very
cautiously, avoiding any exposure. We rarely see surface hoar lasting so
long and extending so far in our mountains. Where it has not released
and at higher elevations, it may be easily skier triggered with serious
results.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Canada
tel. 250-847-3351/ fax 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
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.
Air temperatures increased from -6C on Friday to around 0 today. There
seemed to be an inversion today, valley temperatures were still below
freezing. On the ski out this afternoon I noticed the snow was
getting wet on the surface. We'll have to see what the approaching
Pineapple Express does to the freezing levels in the next few days.
The Dec 29 surface hoar was easy to find below 1700m elevation and was
down about 40cm. The well-preserved crystals were 25mm in size. Above
this elevation it was harder to find and the crystals were about 10-15mm
where found. Pretty much non-existent above 1900m. Stability tests on
this layer were in the moderate to hard range with planar shears.
Definite absence of recent avalanche activity although there were plenty
of snowballs rolling down the slopes this afternoon. Despite the
apparent stability, I still kept to conservative lines and avoided steep
open slopes. You still can have fun in simple terrain.
Play safe.
Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.
_______________________________________________
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.
Skiing on S side of MacPherson yesterday noted soft wind effect above treeline. Surface hoar down 35-40 cm below 2000 m, but most reactive around 1700 m. Very easy quick shears at this elevation and SH to 15 mm.. Rutschblock 1. Easy ski cutting in terrain steeper than 30 deg. Surface faceting getting buried while I type this note.
Craig Ellis
Mountain Guide
We got caught on the Iago Glacier in poor to non existent visibility and our pace went from very quick to a snails pace in only a few minutes. We ended up roping up (almost never do on this trip) three separate times because of the crevasses and poor visibility.
Here are a few observations from our trip:
-In general many sags on all glaciers.
-Decker glacier has some big crevasses open near the top this year.
-Spearhead glacier has some really big crevasses open on the skiers right side.
-The short cut up to the east to Tremor from Paterson is non existent due to crevasses.
-Travel up to Iago up the Iago glacier is quite difficult in poor visibility due to large crevasses and variable snow coverage in this area. Snow depth here ranged from 1m to 3m+.
-Diavlo Gl has a few more crevasses than normal.
-The cornices above the traverse from Fitzimmons to Overlord are very overhanging and fragile looking. As well there are a few crevasses in this area.
-A few larger than normal crevasses on the traverse from Overlord to Whirlwind peak
-The singing pass trail is in fairly good condition, but there are a few trees down in the Oboe creek area.
We were quite happy to have a rope and crevasse rescue gear and the knowledge of how to use it today. Stuff really doesn't look the same out there this year! It is a good idea to plan you trip with some extra time to navigate through tough spots and maybe to wait for really good visibility when traveling on any glaciers this winter.
Craig McGee, Mountain Guide
craigskibum@yahoo.com
--
Cheers,
John Furneaux
ACMG/IFMGA
Mountain Guide
604.892.4689
Lake Louise Townsite -30
Wapta Icefield (9700 feet) -4
Marc Ledwidge
Manager, Mountain Safety Programs
Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
220 Hawk Avenue
Box 900, Banff, AB
T1L 1K2
Ph: 403-762-1401
_______________________________________________
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.
Sarah Hueniken
Alpine Guide
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures
_______________________________________________
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.
Excellent day at
Happy ice,
Eric Dumerac- IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
www.iceXperts.ca
1-877-309-7673
Eric Dumerac- IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
www.mountainskillsacademy.com
Canada: Canmore 1-877-309-7673
We did lots of hand shear tests on the way up and down, skied one at a
time through a fair bit of terrain which I don't often do, felt like a
good thing today.
Anna Brown
Ski Guide
_______________________________________________
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.
Sarah Hueniken
Alpine Guide
_______________________________________________
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.