Skied lines on NE aspects between 1900m and
2400m today in the back of Chickadee
Valley, still some good snow and skiing to be found at this elevation.
Above 2400m has been wind hammered by moderate N winds from
the last few days, hard wind slab on all aspects, poor skiing.
The new Feb 17th surface hoar was also hammered by winds
in the alpine areas and only found at 2000m and below on all aspects. Rime is on this surface hoar layer.
Easy to moderate shears still persist on surface hoar
down 15 and 35cm. Sun crust on all south aspects, temps were -14 to
-7.
Skied lines on E aspects 2000m to 2500m off of Quarts Ridge,
Banff Park yesterday, very good ski quality in boot top soft snow.
Again rime from morning fog on the Feb 17 surface hoar
all aspects and elevations in alpine and at tree line.
Easy shears persist down 10 and 30cm on surface hoar. In this
area the surface hoar down 30 is well preserved, standing
tall and up to 12mm.
A soft slab is forming above this
layer increasing the potential for skier triggering. Warm temps
and intense radiation in the alpine.
Surprised to ski no natural or skier triggered avalanche
activity over the last few days.
We avoided steep and moderate
unsupported terrain.
Cheers, play safe out there.
Mark Stewart
Mountain Guide
|