[MCR] Kootenay Pass, Southern Selkirk Mountains

Subject: [MCR] Kootenay Pass, Southern Selkirk Mountains
Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:53:12 -0800
Went for a tour up the Cornice Ridge side of Kootenay Pass today. Drove up into the fog, but by 10AM it cleared off. Then the clouds started coming back in around noon. Temperatures hovered around -8C during the day.

Didn't see any evidence of recent avalanche activity, but plenty of evidence of wind. The storm snow of last week was well settled with ski penetration being no more than boot top. I managed to kick off a very small wind slab from a north facing, steep rib off of Buzz's Ridge. The amount of snow that slid would have only filled a couple of wheelbarrows, but but it reminded us we shouldn't let our guard down. We skied mainly east or south east facing slopes where the ski quality was very good.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide.
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