[MCR] (MCR) Northern Selkirk Mountains - Durrand Glacier

Subject: [MCR] (MCR) Northern Selkirk Mountains - Durrand Glacier
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:30:54 -0800
Snow conditions Northern Selkirk Mountains, Durrand Glacier area. With the past 
large snow-storms (188cm snow-fall last week) the snowpack reached an all time 
January record of 405cm at the Durrand Glacier snow study plot, elev. 1950m. 
The mid. and lower snowpack has no persistent weak layers, it is strongly 
settled and well bonded. Obviously a sign of not much blue sky, but ongoing 
snow-fall during the past many weeks. The January 12/13 FC layer down 150cm and 
the January 20 FC layer down 130cm react in most snow test sites only to upper 
hard (RP) test results. The present strong storm has brought 45cm new snow in 
24 hours  and produced a natural avalanche cycle in the alpine. At tree-line 
and below tree-line no avalanche activities have been observed. The avalanche 
hazard went into a spike, high in the alpine and considerable at tree-line and 
below tree-line. With calmer weather expected for the middle and end of the 
week the avalanche hazard should come down rapidly. Skiin
 g at tree-line and below tree-line is absolutely incredible. Although we 
cannot go into the alpine at the time, everybody is enjoying amazing skiing in 
deep powder on long tree-runs. 

Stay safe and have fun skiing the deep powder.

Ruedi Beglinger
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
www.selkirkexperience.com
info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
_______________________________________________
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.