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Took a tour up Commonwealth Creek in Kananaskis
Country today (Nov 29). Travel is pretty grungy in the lower forest. The Nov 7
rain crust is supportive for the most part but still lots of alders and deadfall
to work around. Once near treeline the snowpack became deeper but only 75cm
compared to the main ranges where we were finding between 120cm - 150cm
(Surprise Pass, Emerald Peak, Bow Summit). Ski penetration was ~20-25cm in
faceted powder. The day was bluebird and warmed up to a chilly -16 C (as
opposed to -27 C at the car at 10:30am).
Obviously, the snow is cold which made for
slow-motion skiing back down. Once back in the trees numerous early season
hazards still abound with barely covered stumps, rocks and logs lurking just
below the surface.
No new avalanche activity observed but we did see
the odd slab crown (24-48 hours old) during the drive along the
Smith-Dorrien HWY. The deep gully on the north face of Commonwealth Peak had
recent debris below it from sloughing. Lots of ridgetop wind transport observed
up high.
All-in-all, a fine day complete with a proper
bushwhack, cold faces and boot-top powder.
Sean Isaac
Assistant Alpine Guide
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