On a Level I in the Howsons, we are being treated to a grand avalanche
show. There is an ongoing natural avalanche cycle with avalanches to
size 3.5 running full path. The critical layer seems to be surface hoar
buried around the middle of December. This is extending to ridge tops.
Yesterday's rain and today's sun have triggered many slabs with fracture
lines up to 500 m long.
While conditions are decidedly ugly right now, we are looking forward to
a freeze that will lock in the surface hoar where it has not released.
Those conditions are quite unusual and we are moving around very
cautiously, avoiding any exposure. We rarely see surface hoar lasting so
long and extending so far in our mountains. Where it has not released
and at higher elevations, it may be easily skier triggered with serious
results.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222 Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Canada
tel. 250-847-3351/ fax 250-847-2854
info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
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.
|