| Sue Gould and I have been teaching an avalanche course in Kootenay Pass (Salmo-Creston Pass) this week. Last night we had 10 cm of low density snow that covered up a huge surface hoar layer (up to 30 mm). This surface hoar in turn is atop another 20-30 cm of weak facets. Although the snowfall amounts have been too low so far to cause an instability there WILL be avalanches on this layer as soon as we get a bit more snow or there is a significant wind event.
Time to start planning what you're going to do once the tipping point is reached on this layer. Either the local ski hill or on the couch watching the hockey would be my plan.
Mark Klassen IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
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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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