Spent the day skiing under blue skies in the Kutetl Creek drainage
behind Ymir Peak above the Whitewater Ski resort. We were on a mostly
east aspect and our elevation range was from 2300m down to 1800m. Air
temperatures ranged from about -20C at the lodge in the morning to -12C
just before noon at our lowest elevation. The wind was calm in the
valley and light from the north-east on the ridge tops.
Surface hoar has been growing up to 20mm mostly in the trees below
2000m. Most of it was lying flat on the surface, perhaps wind or the
warmth from the sun knocked it over.
The crust from the most recent warming event was evident, though the new
snow on top had enough carry to keep us from crunching down on it. The
skiing was excellent top to bottom, even off the summit of Half Dome
with only the first few turns in wind-pressed snow. Traveling up was
fast with ski pen being only 10-15cm.
In a snow pit dug below Half Dome at 2250m on a north-east aspect we
found an old buried surface hoar layer down about 80cm. Stability tests
produced no results even on this layer. It did fail with a clean shear
though, when the column was pulled off by hand.
Rider traffic increased throughout the day as two other parties joined
us in the Kutetl drainage. Ymir bowl was looking pretty tracked up by
the time we skied back to the resort. A small slide came out of the
Dog's Leg, probably triggered by a rider. Couldn't tell if it was from
a slough, a slab or a cornice fall.
Enjoy the sun tomorrow, looks like the clouds will be back on
Wednesday. Play Safe.
Craig Hollinger,
ACMG 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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