[MCR] Rockies – Lake Louise Area - April 20-22

The ACMG Ski Guide exam spent the past 3 days (April 20-22) skiing in the Lake Louise area, with objectives including Mt Hector, Mt Cathedral, Popes Peak, and Bath Glacier to Sherbrooke Lake loop. Friday was spent skiing in the Lake Louise Ski Area backcountry.

 

No new slab avalanches were observed. In the alpine, sluffing was observed up to size 1.5 out of very steep solar aspects.

 

The biggest concerns were multiple buried suncrusts in the top 40cm on solar aspects at treeline and alpine. These areas were largely avoided, but no natural or skier triggered activity was observed on these layers. The other major concern was the variable snow depth and basal facets in shallow areas. Cornices are large and were treated with respect.

 

Ski quality was excellent and winter snow pack conditions were found on northerly aspects. The transition to spring conditions and corn skiing has not yet occurred, although this is likely to change in the next few days with the forecast warming trend, and large avalanches are possible on solar aspects.

 

ACMG Ski Guide exam candidates

Nick Rapaich

Matt Dellow

Fred Amyot

Andrew Nelson

Alex Geary

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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.
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