[MCR] Icefields Parkway snowpack

Hello Everyone,

 

    I went ski-touring with two clients up towards Crowfoot Glacier,  via the Bow Hut approach canyon on Dec 30th. We dug a test pit on a West aspect at 2400m on a protected 30 degree slope in the trees below the moraines. It revealed a generally shallow (85cm) weak snowpack with an easy shear down 50cm on mature facets.

 

 Today Steve Holeczi, Tim Haggarty and I went skiing in the Hector Lake area ( about 10km SE of the previous location). We dug a test pit on a Southwest aspect at 2200m on a protected 33 degree slope. The snowpack here was 135cm average depth. The interface down 50cm was still visible although not as weak at this location. However we got a clean shear (SP) down a 100cm on another weak faceted layer. We were able to keep  our skiing to smaller features on supported slopes.

 

 

  The great snowpack of the 2006/2007 winter is but a memory now.  In the areas  I've skied this season,  Selkirks, Purcells  and Rockies, it seems to be a highly variable colder snowpack with persistent weaknesses. 

 

Its a good winter to use your skills,  and be highly aware of the integrity of the snowpack you are travelling on,  and the terrain on which you apply it. 

 

Have a fun and safe winter,

 

Andrew Langsford

Alpine Guide/Asst. Ski Guide

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