[MCR] Monashee Mountains Dec.1/2013

I am currently working in the Monahsee Mountains just west of Blanket Glacier (SW of Revelstoke).

 

All these observations are limited to Treeline and Below Treeline terrain – we have not had the opportunity to observe the Alpine other than the occasional glimpse between the fog and snow

 

We have had 34cms of snow in the last 24hours with mild temps and little wind (again no ALPINE obs). Our test have indicated that there is currently a touchy storm snow interface down 35-40 cms.

 

The Nov.28^th layer in this area is down 45-55cms and is a mix of small surface hoar and decomposing new snow on Treeline Northerly aspects with a suncrust on steeper solar aspects – the Surface Hoar was more developed in Below Treeline terrain but we done’t ahve a lot of info there. It is still a concern at this point in time, but hopefully it won’t linger too long.

 

The Nov.12 interface is a crust in all profiles and has been unreactive in all tests.

 

On North aspects we have found some found remants of the October snows at the base of the snowpack – it presents itself as a crust with some weaker snow below it (basal facets) but currently is not reacting. It is not present on aspects that got more sun in October.

 

We have not observed any natural avalanches but we are getting results in the recent storm snow with our test (including low scores on rutschblock tests) and managed to ski cut a 40 cm deep slab on a steep convex feature at Tree line (size 1)

 

We are using conservative route finding and are optimistic that the forecast cooling temps will help bond these layers in the next while.

 

Until then – keep it real and play safe!

 

Cheers,

Scott Davis

ACMG Mountain Guide  

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