Four days up on the Wapta Icefeilds Feb 11th-14th
Ski toured from Bow Hut to Belfour Hut and back to the Bow Hut.
Storm started on the evening of the 11th on our way up to the Bow Hut.
During the day of the 12th on our way to the Balfour Hut, strong south west winds and snowing up to 2cm/hour at times.
The storm ended early in the am on the 13th (4:00). Bring an estimate of 30-40cm of storm snow with drifting up to 55-65cm.
The morning of the 13th at the Balfour Hut had revealed a widespread avalanche cycle through the night and it continued into the day.
Natural avalanches, skier remote triggered and skier triggered avalanches were noted. From size 1 to large size 2's.
During travel we experienced extensive whumping on the new snow and the previous snow surface (March8th) on all aspects and elevations up to 3000m.
This morning (14th) on Mt Ronda size 3 avalanche had released stepping down to deeper week layers within the snow pack.
We were avoiding exposure to terrain steep enough to avalanche, slopes that have not slide or overhead hazards(loaded slopes, cornices).
When ever any exposure was mandatory we using diligent safety measures to mitigate the hazards.
By noon today there was strong wind transport at ridgetop and loading taking place with natural avalanches still happening.
Be careful out there!
Nicholas Rapaich - Assistant Alpine, Assistant Ski Guide
James Blench - Mountain Guide
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures
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