Hello,
Went for a bit of a ski today (Jan 4) near Bow Summit. We noted 4 avalanches from with in the last 48 hours which seemed to be from the last storm/wind cycle with approximate crown depths of 30-40 cm. They ranged from size 1-2 and were in skiable terrain.
Walking on the snow below tree line and at tree line didn't give much confidence as skis punched close to the ground and ski poles easily went to ground. A quick pit showed moderate, sudden collapse shears below the buried wind slab down 30-40 cm in the pile of facets the avalanche buliten is talking about. There were no other results from the tests but the "sugar bowl" that was my pit didn't inspire any confidence. All this combined with marginal ski quality, breaking through into the facets at the bottom of each turn, didn't make for the best day of skiing but it was a beautiful day in the mountains.
All in all this is one of the weakest snow packs I have see at this time of year.
Jesse de Montigny
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures
ACMG Ski and Asistant Alpine Guide
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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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