[MCR] Bow Summit, Banff Park Dec 3

Subject: [MCR] Bow Summit, Banff Park Dec 3
Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 17:05:30 -0700
Out for a couple laps at Bow Summit today, December 3.  We noted the recent 
avalanche on Observation Peak that Chris just reported.

53 cm of snow at treeline.  Supportive skiing with good snow quality in the 
trees, but wind affected surface above treeline.  -8 deg at 1:30 pm, light 
north wind.  Moderate compression tests results down 25 cm.  Hard compression 
test at the ground on large depth hoar.  No whumphing or reactivity to ski 
cutting on the supported slopes that we stayed on.  

With all the recent wind in the alpine there are probably some windslabs that 
are just waiting for a skier or climber to trigger it, with potential for wide 
propagation and failure to ground, just like the natural avalanche across the 
highway on Observation Peak.  

Jordy Shepherd
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
www.PeakAlpine.com



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