[MCR] The Gorge - Malakwa - Nov 26

Subject: [MCR] The Gorge - Malakwa - Nov 26
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 14:56:50 -0800

Short day at the Gorge today, above Malakwa, near Sicamous.  Temperature was minus 9 at 6000 ft / 1800 m, snowing less than a centimeter per hour, with light to moderate SW winds (probably stronger winds in the alpine).  There was a 200 cm snowpack, and 70+cm of low density storm snow on the recent raincrust below 5500 ft / 1700 m.  The only raincrust found above 1700 m is the Nov 7th crust, which is 20 cm thick and down 140 cm now.  We skied a steep north facing line with well spaced trees.  There was only surface sloughing on 35+ degree terrain.

 

Excellent ski quality, and great coverage with a supportive snowpack down to the road at 4500 ft / 1350m.  There was even good skiing to be found in the lower cutblocks.

 

Driving back to Revelstoke there was a strong outflow wind at Three Valley Gap.  Looked like good (but very cold) windsurfing.

 

Jordy Shepherd

Mountain Guide