Here are the observations recorded by the ACMG Assistant Ski Guide
exam participants at Moberly Pass, Selkirk Mtns, during the week of
March 20-28:
Weather: Clear skies in the early part of the week with mild
temperatures and light winds. This was followed by light
precipitation, a cold 24 hour period (low of -21), then several days
with light to moderate precipitation and moderate/strong W/SW winds on
Friday. Freezing levels hovered around 1200-1400 meters later in the
week.
Avalanche activity: A widespread avalanche cycle occurred on Mar 19-20
with several large natural avalanches to size 3/3.5 observed during
the flight in at all aspects and elevations. Small natural avalanches
were observed on Mar 24-25 running in the recent storm snow, 10-15cm
deep. No new significant avalanches were observed following the strong
winds of the 27th.
Snowpack: Average depth of snow: 300 cm on glaciers, 260-280 cm at
treeline. The snowpack depth looked to be shallower in the Argentine
glacier area. At the time of our departure on Saturday March 28, 25 to
30cm of storm snow sat on a suncrust on solar aspects. On shaded
aspects, this storm snow sits on surface hoar, facets and windslabs.
Friday's strong winds resulted in slab development in all exposed
areas although excellent deep powder skiing could still be found in
sheltered lee alpine slopes. Under the above layers, a well settled
upper pack overlies several persistent weak layers (surface hoar,
facets and crusts). On our last day of travel, the hazard was rated as
Considerable in the alpine, Considerable at treeline and Moderate
below treeline with low confidence because of the unpredictability of
the persistent weak layers.
Terrain use: Much of the week was spent avoiding steeper/convex,
unsupported slopes and large overhead hazards including cornices. The
Goldstream Neve and its adjacent slopes, the Bear and Centurion
glaciers as well as the Pyrite area were heavily travelled. The Goat
glacier was avoided due to the threatening large slopes on Citadel's
North side. The bottom slopes of the Centurion leading to valley
bottom were travelled once up and down but left alone later in the week.
Hopefully those of you planning to travel through the Moberly Pass
area in the near future will find this information useful, it is
certainly well worth the visit.
Take care,
Sylvain Hebert
ACMG Ski Guide
Photos: Looking at Chris Gooliaf investigating with an explosive
triggered slab in the background in Stitt Creek, and natural
avalanches near the Goat Glacier and Citadel.
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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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