This
has been an unusual season with several persistent weak layers on the coast.
The long dry spell may have lured many into skiing like it is a normal
snowpack. With the recent storm cycles there is now 2.5 metres over the 081206
facet/crust layer, over a metre on the 090127 surface hoar layer, and about 60
to 80 cm over the 090122 facet/surface hoar layer. The last week has seen 3
significant natural avalanche cycles up to size 3 mostly in the storm snow and
down into the 090222 facet/surface hoar interface.
Today there was a significant skiier remotely triggered avalanche occurence. A
ski party was regrouping at a col and 5 metres away a size 2.5 avalanche
released in 35 degree terrain on a NE aspect at 2000 metres elevation. It
failed down 80 cm on the 090222 facet/surface hoar interface. This
simultaneously triggered 2 other avalanches one of which went to size 3. The
size 3 had three step fractures which released on the 090222 facet/surface hoar
interface down 80 cm, the 090127 surface hoar interface down over 100 cm, and
the 081206 facet/crust interface down 260 cm. This large avalanche ran down
over tracks on low angle terrain that had been previously skiied. There were
also several whumphs in low angle terrain both before and after this.
This is not a normal coastal snowpack year.
Let's all be carefull out there.
Eric Ridington
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides - Ski 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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