[MCR] Rockies, West Niles

Subject: [MCR] Rockies, West Niles
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:41:05 -0700
I guided some ski touring in the West Niles area of Bow Peak today, Jan 27th. 
Lots of wind effect from treeline up with numerous boilerplate slab surfaces 
where it is hard to hold an edge in ascent, or not possible. The recent snow 
and lighter winds have created some dust on crust on said boilerplates and then 
good boot top powder in less wind affected features. We had a lot of good 
skiing but only ventured about 100 metres above treeline, the wind has had too 
much play above that level and the tracksetting was very difficult and the ski 
quality poor.

I had several settlements the size of my living room in shallow and steep 
transitional steps around treeline. The midpack would wumpff down into the 
rotted out basement, not a problem in deeper snowpack areas where the midpack 
is bridging and you don't get dropped into the basement.

Happy trails,

Barry Blanchard
Mountain Guide
www.barryblanchard.ca
www.yamnuska.com




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