[MCR] Selkirk Mountains - Rogers Pass - Connaught Ck Nov.14/11

I know – yet another update from Connaught Ck.

 

I just wanted to send a quick snapshot of conditions post storm.

 

The recent accumulation of storm snow has settled out to @ 60cms depth. Whoompfs and cracking of the snowpack has backed off and none was observed today in Treeline and Below Treeline terrain. Some real trail breaking (30-60cms ski penetration) was found if you ventured off the beaten track.

 

LOTS of wind from the West/Northwest today, from ridgetop to valley bottom, transporting significant amounts of snow above treeline onto lee slopes and features and creating wind pressed slabby snow on windward slopes.

 

No new avalanches observed but everyone was keeping it  real and sticking to the trees even though visibility was better than it has been for days.

 

Tomorrow is looking like visibility once again be reasonable and the “White Siren” will be tempting folks to venture higher onto more open Alpine terrain. Though the Nov.7^th surface hoar is somewhat less reactive than a couple of days ago, the recent wind slabbing and loading has deepened and stiffened the slab above it, meaning that if something does happen, it is likely to very significant in size and consequence.

 

Just remember the surface hoar was very widespread and preserved well into the Alpine terrain – only time will heal this one and not much has passed at this point.

 

As they say” What you don’t see, CAN HURT YOU!”

 

Play safe,

Cheers,

Scott Davis

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

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