[MCR] Surprise Pass

Subject: [MCR] Surprise Pass
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 09:19:10 -0600

Hi All – for what is worth given a bit stale dated post now…we skied Surprise Pass yesterday (Apr 6) with fantastic conditions. As of yesterday there was minimal wind effect on both the southerly and northerly aspects and there was a good bond of the storm snow to the old surfaces. No surface cracking or reactivity of any kind to ski testing. Profile on a southeast aspect revealed 3 failure planes which were not reactive yesterday due to the lack of a slab structure but are likely reactive now given the new load. The most notable on the old suncrust down 45cm (in that location) failing on tiny facets on top of the crust. We observed minor surface sluffs but no slab avalanches. Looks like winter is with us for a while.

 

Stay Safe!

 

James Blench IFMGA/ACMG

www.jamesblench.ca

(403)678-2576 home

(403) 678-7822 cell

 

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