[MCR] Kananaskis, Rocky Mountains

Hello,

We skied north of Blackprince/SE of Hero knob today, tuesday Nov.25th.
We tried to summit a sub peak north of the Blackprince tree cone, but were turned back and lapped a north facing slide path instead.

Some observations:
1) The SmithDorrien Creek is easily crossed on ice bridges from the Blackprince parking lot.

2)A sun-crust exists on south aspects on slopes steeper than 25degrees.

3) Large (15+mm) surface hoar was observed on all aspects (except south), below 2150m.  We did not observe the Surface hoar above 2150m  Our guess was that wind prevented its formation above this elevation.

This surface hoar (if buried by subsequent snow falls) will be a problematic sliding layer.  It's very important to observe where it does and does not exist so that we know its location once buried.

4) The snowpack has settled a lot since I was in the area last tuesday (Nov17th)  last week I was seeing around 90-95cm at treeline.  Today there was an average of 70-75cm at treeline.

No settlements, cracking or recent natural avalanches were seen today.

Great skiing was had below treeline on sheltered aspects (north).  Off trail travel was surprisingly supportive if you were in open areas or in old growth trees.  Traveling through "christmas trees" was less supportive and did result in isolated collapsing of the snowpack.

Safe & fun skiing to you all!

Neil Warren,

ACMG Ski Guide

CAA Professional Member

www.neilwarrenskiguiding.com

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