Spent May 20-23 based out of the Columbia Icefields campground with the
Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester group.
Weather:
The high pressure moved in on May 21st bringing clear skies, west winds
ranging from calm in the morning to moderate gusts in the afternoons.
Overnight temps ranged from -4 to -7 with daytime highs of +6 to +10
degrees.
Snowpack:
Snow school at Parker Ridge on the 20th found us postholing in a winter
snowpack. Average foot penetration of 30cm with some 100cm+ in weak spots
around trees in the forest. HS 250cm with a Melt/Freeze crust down 30cm
and 60cm. The usual site for crevasse rescue is sporting a large cornice
at the lower part. We climbed Boundary peak on May 22nd and found a dry
winter snowpack on the glacier, snow depth was 160cm at 2500m with the
same Melt/Freeze crusts down 15cm and 30cm at the base of the Boundary/
Athabasca col. We descended a fair bit to the skier's left of the usual
descent, to avoid a 15cm thick windslab, instead traveling down exposed
scree and patches of snow that were below threshold. The overnight
freezes provided good travel in the mornings on the way to Boundary, as
well as the Athabasca Glacier (May 22-23) and stayed relatively
supportive in the afternoon despite the warm temps. Traveling off the
Athabasca Glacier on May 23rd in the afternoon, foot penetration averaged
20cm with some punchy spots.
Avalanche Activity:
Numerous avalanches were observed on solar aspects with the daytime
warming. Evidence of several slab avalanches in the past few days were
observed on all aspects, ranging from size 1 to 2.5, including two size 2
releases from the top of Parker Ridge.
Synopsis:
It seems to be the beginning of the spring cycle with the onset of this
warm weather. Many slopes are looking fat, wintery and are waiting for
the right trigger. We were not keen on exposing ourselves to any big snow
slopes overhead, or to venture out onto the bigger slopes that have not
already slid. The warm temps are beginning the process of consolidation,
but it is only the start, and the overnight freezes are not lasting long.
Travel in avalanche terrain will rely on the strength of the freeze and
the ability to be down long before things start to warm up and move.
We choose to wear and carry avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel ,probe) for
all of our time spent in avi terrain.
Cheers
Jason Billing
Assistant Alpine Guide
Mike Stuart
Alpine Guide/Assistant Ski 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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