I drove through Rogers
Pass today intending to go for a tour
on my home from Golden – unfortunately the road closure due to a 4 or
more semi pileup on Heather Hill delayed my travels and by the time I was at Rogers Pass
(snowing 1-2 cm/hour) I thought better of the plan and continued home.
I did go for a tour to Balu Pass on Nov.9 and at that time I
managed to ski from the hotel and didn’t have to hike with my skis at all
(extra caution needed where the tree cover has protected the trail from
snowfall – means it could be prudent to walk in a few spots on the way
down).
There were numerous old wet avalanches from the previous
weekends rain event that had run to midway (or farther) down most of the major
avalanche paths that run off Mt. Cheops
above Connaught Ck.
As well one avalanche (size 2.5) crossed the summer trail
just after it crosses the creek to the north side of the valley (this path is
known locally as “Frequent Flyer”) – the wet deposit carved a
deep frozen gulley in the snow that is awkward to cross with skis on (means I
took mine off).
The crust from the rain event was buried below 15-20cm. of
new snow and at valley bottom was not fully frozen nor supportive but was not a
problem on the existing uphill track that follows the summer trail –
higher up the valley the crust was supportive as air temps dropped and the snow
amount climbed to 25cm. (but was variable depth in wind exposed areas). The
skiing was good and at that time the new snow was not sliding on the crust –
however some of the snow did feel a little stiffer due to wind effect and we
stayed away from steeper convex slopes for this reason.
Since that day the snow has continued and I would expect that
there is at least 60cm. or more over the crust now and given the severity of
the weather I would expect there has been significant wind above the treeline –
so if you are heading out be cautious and keep the reins in check until the
bond to the early Nov. Crust has a chance to adjust to this recent snow load.
Tuesday should be cooler with a break in the storm but the forecast and models show
a significant rise in freezing levels on Wednesday accompanying another storm
front – I wouldn’t be surprised if this triggers an avalanche cycle
in the backcountry.
Oh ya and then there is the deadly drive on the highways!
Keep them slippery side down (at least us old guys anyway)
Scott Davis