[MCR] Crowfoot glades & Mt Murray

Off to Crowfoot Glades on Highway 93 on the 21 and Mt. Murray moraines in K-Country on the 22nd. In both regions we observed strong SW winds at ridge crests and lots of snow transport in the high alpine.  We found good powder skiing in both places with no wind affect at the ski elevations (2350 m and below) and boot top powder. We did not observe any recent avalanche activity. I had not been skiing in the Rockies for a few weeks and found that despite the relatively favourable public bulletin ratings for both regions (C,M,L) the variable snow cover thickness couple with very weak base layers in the snowpack had me inclined towards conservative terrain choices and avoiding overhead hazards. Both regions showed evidence of large old avalanches starting in the alpine and running to tree line elevations. These avalanches had run to ground making me wary of similar slopes which had not yet run as the weaknesses in the snowpack are still lingering.

 

Stay safe and have a great holiday!

 

James Blench UIAGM

www.alpineguide.ca

 

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