Here are a few observation from the Pine Pass area and from the Head
of the Table river. This is somewhat of a generalization of the
snowpack in this region but a few things to think about if you are
heading that way.
There has been over a metre of new snow in the last week north of
Prince George. Most of it fell Wednesday and Thursday, but an
additional 10-15cm on Saturday.
In the northern areas near Pine Pass, (around Powder King Ski Resort)
cold temperatures prevailed until late Friday when a quick
temperature rise gave way to an avalanche cycle in the new storm
snow. It went from -18 to -1 in about 4 hours.
There was a small avalanche cycle some time late Friday, likely
associated with this dramatic temperature rise.
Still however, it did not seem critical until later on Saturday,
when very strong SW winds started to move the storm snow into
Northerly facing terrain features.
On Saturday, the depth of the snowpack at Powder king treeline
(1500m) was about 150cm, and the foot penetration was about one
metre. The skiing was quite difficult as there was warm wind affected
new snow, on top of cold low density snow....(upside down powder)
Saturday night the winds continued with hourly gusts over 100km.
There was a widespread cycle Saturday night into early Sunday, mostly
on NE-NW aspects. Southerly aspects were stripped right into the start zones.
So travellers, be aware of loaded features on Northerly aspects,
understanding that there may still be many slopes with slabs that are
being bridged by low density snow in the midpack.
I would suspect that the warm temperatures will help the snowpack to
settle and gain strength over the next while, but go cautiously, not boldly...
The snowpack has nearly doubled in the last week and needs some time
to consolidate.
On a side note....the Powder King resort Restaurant has the best
Clubhouse Sandwich I have had in a long time.
Good food at a ski resort...what a refreshing idea!
Peter Amann
Mountain Guide.
Peter Amann
Mountain Guide
pamann@xxxxxxxxxxxx
_______________________________________________
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