[MCR] Athabasca and area

Subject: [MCR] Athabasca and area
Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 06:05:20 -0600


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






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