Purcells, east of Kaslo.
A much anticipated storm beginning March 11 came with strong SW winds and
deposited over 70cm of new snow in the area. When the skies cleared
Saturday morning we observed the wreckage of an extensive natural
avalanche cycle on Northerly aspects at Alpine and Treeline elevations.
Numerous slabs were observed from size 1-3.5, some showing impressive
propagations with fracture lines up to 1km wide. Most slabs failed on the
surface hoar layer buried on February 9, now down 80cm.
Saturday while skinning on a flat ridge, we remote triggered a healthy
size 2 on a North aspect at 2300m. When the sun shone hard mid-day, we
observed three Naturals to size 2 from a cross loaded, west facing Alpine
feature near the lodge.
The upper snowpack is highly complex, with four buried layers of surface
hoar in the top 100cm. It will take some time for the snowpack to adjust
to the new load.
Ski safe
Ramin Sherkat
ACMG 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.
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