Spring is definitely slow coming to the mountains right now and there is a
significant difference in conditions dependent upon elevation.
Above 2000 metres winter is still holding fast and slab avalanches are a
very real possibility. 30-50 cm of new snow has been reported in the last
week at the upper elevations along the divide in the Rockies and recent
slabs up to 60cm thick and as big as size three have been observed near
Jasper. Two skiers triggered an avalanche on the ramp on Mt. Athabasca last
weekend and one was swept over the seracs and fully buried but luckily
escaped injury. Storm snow over a weak crust approximately 50 cm down was
the suspected weakness in this incident. In the Selkirks, rainfall to the
upper elevations on Tuesday was responsible for a large spring cycle in
Roger's Pass with avalanches up to size 3.5 being reported. Temperature
profiles for the last month from the Wapta Icefields are showing that there
has only been one day with sustained above freezing temperatures and that
was last Sunday the 19th, so if you are planning a climbing trip to the
high mountains expect winter avalanche conditions and be prepared to
evaluate any slope for likely avalanche danger. Beacons probes and shovels
are definitely required.
On the bright side, skiing is still very good and some very quick
travelling and good ski descents are possible. Watch for sagging crevasse
bridges and low coverage in spots on the glaciers if you are heading out
there. You may have to carry your skis some on the approach but most trails
in both the Rockies and Columbias are still snow covered near treeline.
Temperatures are forecasted to warm to the mid teens again this weekend and
there is a good possibility for a prolonged above freezing spell to the
ridge tops through next week, so there will likely be one more big spring
avalanche cycle at the higher elevations when the heat finally arrives.
Lower elevations still have a little snow, particularly on the north
aspects, but the south facing crags in both the Rockies and Selkirks are
getting some traffic. Early season loose rocks are a hazard and some of the
cracks are still wet. Yamnuska is in good shape but be prepared for snow on
the descent.
So the best choice for the weekend would be to have one more stab at winter
at the higher elevations, or look for summer on something south facing and
down low. Alternately, the forecast for Penticton looks great with 26
degrees and sunny.
Brad White
IFMGA/ACMG 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.
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