[MCR] ACMG Ski Guide Exam Bugs/Rockies

Todd, Mike, Ali, Steve, Ryan and myself spent April 21-27 in the Bugaboos and Rockies being examined on the ACMG Ski Guide exam.

 

The week started in the Bugaboos with clear skies and freezing levels rising to over 3000m. Objectives included Cobalt Lake, Vowell-Pigeon circuits, Rock Ridge Peak and the Crescent Traverse. Average snowpack depth was 3m and we felt that the glaciers had good coverage. Our main concern was the snowpack transitioning from winter to spring with loose and wet snow slides. By April 24 we had no overnight freeze and rain to 3000m so decided to pull the pin and head to the Rockies where freezing levels were dropping to 2000m. We observed widespread loose snow avalanches in the Bugs on all aspects and at all elevations.

 

We avoided being in the field during the widespread avalanche cycle on April 25. On April 26 in the Rockies we observed loose snow & wet slabs running to ground up to size 2.5

 

In the Rockies objectives included Little Crowfoot, Popes Peak, Mt Gordon, Mt Olive and Observation Sub Peak. Our main concern was the isothermal snowpack at lower elevations. We found excellent coverage on the glaciers (HS up to 3m). The week ended with FL dropping to 1900m with a workable overnight freeze and decent skiing on high N aspects with HST 14cm over 2700m on the Wapta Icefields. With the first clear night on Friday, conditions are now significantly improved from last week.

Erica Roles

ACMG Assistant Ski/Assistant Alpine Guide
http://www.upthewall.ca  

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