Out yesterday on the Spearhead traverse. Excellent
early season ski conditions.
On average there was around 125 to 175 cms on the
glaciers. Only the top 15 cms were soft with a firm
snowpack below, this made for excellent travel. On the
whole traverse we only saw ski tracks on the closest
mountains to the resorts! After a week of clear
weather!
Conditions on the glaciers are looking great this
year, there are very few expose crevasses on most of
the glaciers. Of exception is a large Bergshrund
(crevasses) that spans almost the whole north face of
Tremor Mountain, all the way to the col. While probing
over the hole we found that there was 120cms of dens
snow. I'm still not sure if the good looking
conditions on the glacier are due to the large
previous years snowpack and cool summer or if the
crevasses are still there and are only lightly covered
due to the high winds, moderate temps and recent
snowfall. Because of this I think it would still be
prudent to be careful on glaciers that you did not get
a good look at this summer. Remember to practice good
glacier travel techniques, such as probing to find out
the depth of snowpack in your area and to carry a rope
in areas you not sure of.
Also of note was the growth of the Surface Hoar below
treeline, in many places its over 15mm now. This will
be a layer to watch for after it snows.
Have fun...and get out there the skiing is great!
Craig McGee, MG
Craig McGee, ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
102-4369 Main St. Suite #337
Whistler BC
Canada
V0N 1B4
cell 604 902 0296
Home 604 935 0077
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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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