[MCR] Selkirk Mountains - Corbin Pass Jan.2-09

Subject: [MCR] Selkirk Mountains - Corbin Pass Jan.2-09
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 18:39:58 -0800

Went back up Corbin today and skied a few runs off “Helens” (by the weather station).

 

Broken skies and cool temps (-10 at the car in the AM) with the occasional snowflake and wisp of wind have allowed the storm instabilities to tighten up (less reactive than a couple of days ago).

 

On the route up and for my first two runs (which were on the skiers right side of the area) the snow felt surprisingly strong and I didn’t find any significant shears and the facet interface was down @ 60cms. The highways boys found similar results in the profile they did at @2100m. with a CTH 25 RP (resistant planar) on the facets. Where it felt weaker was on the lower flat section that had lots of unconsolidated snow on the surface before the storm. I didn’t have any Whumpfs or cracking on my way up or down the first two runs.

 

The ski quality was quite good with @ 30cms. ski penetration.

 

On my third run I went to the skiers left side and things were quite different there and I found the snow weaker in general – I chose a tighter tree shot to gain the run and avoided an open bowl feature that was to the left. While skiing down I remote triggered the bowl to the left - it was a size 2 slab @15m. wide and probably 60-80deep – no involvement (thankfully!).

 

So obviously things are quite variable out there and this is in just a matter of a few hundred metres.

 

Cheers,

 

Scott Davis

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

 

_______________________________________________
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.