[MCR] Rockies Skiing

For those who believe that the Rockies ski season is only just beginning, here are some recent observations:

Monday April 16

Skied up Chickadee Valley and ascended to the North Col of Mt. Whymper. We found excellent skiing on the north aspect. Two test profiles revealed a lack of significant shears in the upper meter of the snowpack and we did not find a buried temperature crust from the previous week. 

Wednesday April 18

Skied Surprise Pass with a lap in one of the south facing bowls along the way. Temps hovered around -1 with broken skies for most of the day. The south aspect skied very well with 15 - 20 of creamy snow on top of a supportive crust. The run down from the pass was fairly tracked but skied well in soft snow. 

Thursday April 19

Parked at Emerald Lake and ascended the summer trail to Hamilton Lake.  From here we skinned up to the col between Emerald Peak and the Top Hat. The run down to the Emerald Basin Trail was not in great shape and I would not recommend it until we see a better freeze. A temperature crust was present from 2400 meters on the north aspect and the snow was quite moist below 1900 meters. I did find last weeks buried temp crust down about 60 cms with moist snow to this depth. Temps hovered around 1 degree with mostly overcast skies. Go high or go home I guess.

Cheers,

Andrew

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Andrew Wexler
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide

Canmore, AB

403-707-8615

www.globalalpine.com

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