Climbed Crowfoot Mountain today with Arian S. and Matt M.
Skies were broken with light west winds and temperatures at ridgetop in the -20's. As everyone is surely aware by now HSL conditions predominate in TL and ALP areas. A few cm's of dust makes the skiing bearable where this HSL is smooth, but otherwise the ski quality is poor with dramatic 50cm high sastrugi on the glacier. Hs on the glacier was 150cm. BTL the snowpack is still weak and facetted, but there is the odd good turn in sheltered areas where the snowpack has enough strength to keep you off the ground. Otherwise, if you venture off the beaten track you quickly find yourself standing on the ground, about knee-deep in facets. Though avalanche hazard is in the moderate range, there is still concern for shallow snowpack areas where the HSL exists. Of specific concern are morainal areas.
Having said all this, we decided that though overall ski quality was less than desireable, it was still a great day to bag a peak while enjoying some chilly, but beautiful weather.
Play safe out there.
Jeremy Mackenzie
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
How fun is this? IMing with Windows Live Messenger just got better.
|
_______________________________________________
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.
|