[MCR] North Rockies Pine Pass

Subject: [MCR] North Rockies Pine Pass
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2013 21:48:27 -0800
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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