Hello all
Looks all snow is once again in the Revelstoke area, mostly west, north and
northeast of town (Durrand Glacier Area).
Today I went up Mt. MacPherson and found a much bigger snowpack then what I
have heard over the past days reported about other areas in BC and Alberta
(including Rogers Pass). At elevation 1000 meter 90 cm, elevation 1500 meter
150 cm and at 2150 meter (at the Amphitheatre) 180 cm to 200 cm. In all
elevations the snowpack has been strongly settled, with ski penetration of 20
cm to 35 cm. In the alpine and at tree-line significant wind from west has been
observed this afternoon. In these areas deep windslabs started to form, deep
cracking but no shearing yet. Directly below tree-line and at lower elevations
the snowpack showed no significant weaknesses. While skiing steep unsupported
rolls no cracking or shearing has been observed. A stability test at elevation
1850 meter showed no significant weakness on the surface hoar and facet layer
which is now buried up to 80 cm.
Skiing was absolutely top, fast powder and well covered alder in lower
elevations. if you are looking for snow then maybe you want to consider this
ski-tour. unfortunately the route to the summit or the great Amphitheatre is
not described in "Summits and Icefields”. Mt. MacPherson makes an absolutely
great ski-tour, in stormy conditions to the Amphitheatre and in calm weather to
the grand summit. Most people go to the much shorter destination, the Fingers
and Burned Knob, leaving the great powder for you. MacPherson to the summit is
a big ski-tour with lots of inspiring skiing and lots of snow, starting at the
Cross-country parking lot (elevation 600 meter), the summit is 2500 meter.
Enjoy the early winter and have great fun
Ruedi Beglinger
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
Selkirk Mountain Experience
www.selkirkexperience.com
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from
this list.
|