[MCR] Kootenay Pass

Touring at Cornice Ridge on Boxing Day the snowpack was delightfully more cooperative than further north near Nelson.  The late Nov. rain crust was absent right from the car at 1774m.  Snow depths were in the 90 - 115cm range below treeline with hard windslabs on the wind exposed Cornice Ridge.  The east aspect off the summit was as thin as 50cm where recent reverse winds had reduced the coverage.

The snowpack was mostly supportive making for some great turns with a ~30cm ski pen although the facetted base offered the occassional surprise sinkhole where unseen burried objects lay below.  Tree wells were particularly hungry.

No avalanche activity was noted other than surface sluffs in the new snow although visibility was limited.

Whitewater reported 17cm overnight with both chairs open and it continues to fall in Nelson as I write.

Happy turns,
Shaun King
Alpine Guide / Asst. Ski Guide

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