[MCR] Howsons 27 April 07

Subject: [MCR] Howsons 27 April 07
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:31:04 -0700
Over the last 12 days, the snowpack at the lodge decreased 20 cm to 240. In the alpine, it increased between 35 and 85 cm. -7 degrees on the Solitaire Ski Peak, but pleasantly warm with light winds and a bit of sun. We experienced several whumpfs on a crust that is usually 60 to 80 cm down, but saw no recent avalanches. Many cornices have fallen, but they released no slabs. They were good sized avalanches in themselves. Skiing qality was fair in the alpine and excellent on corn below.

It is still surprisingly wintry in the alpine, and both powder and corn can be found. I am a bit concerned about the whumpfing because we found some old facets on the crust and repeated sudden planar shears on those. Couloirs and steep lines should be treated with caution for now.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide IFMGA
Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222     Smithers, B.C.     Canada V0J 2N0
tel. 250-847-3351    fax 250-847-2854
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