[MCR] Kananaskis Country, Tryst Lake

Was at Tryst Lake today, and skied both the north side chutes and the super slope back down to Commonwealth Creek.

There is about 25 cm of low density snow sitting on top of the Valentine surface hoar.  No detectable slab formation, but even still on the steep north aspects there is fracture propagation 30cm deep by >5m wide through the low density fluff. This layer is very touchy, and extremely sensitive to triggering.  The only saving grace (today) is that the resulting avalanches were small and of little consequence, unless you get knocked over something.

So we had fun triggering numerous size 1 avalanches today, and the skiing was good, but that layer is nasty and as soon as there is a bit of wind or more snow or really anything else . . . look out!  

Periods of snow forecast to start Tuesday afternoon.

The south aspect was suncrust by mid-day, and poor ski quality.

Grant Statham

ACMG Mountain Guide

_______________________________________________________
Unlimited Disk, Data Transfer, PHP/MySQL Domain Hosting
http://www.doteasy.com
_______________________________________________
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.