[MCR] amazing snowpack in the Northern Selkirks

Subject: [MCR] amazing snowpack in the Northern Selkirks
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2013 20:46:28 -0800
Hello ski enthusiasts

Since Christmas I have been guiding in the Northern Selkirk Mountains, 40 km northeast of Revelstoke (Durrand Glacier). The overall snow conditions and the snowpack are excellent. At 1620 meter elevation a test profile showed a snowpack of 181cm, at tree-line (elevation 1950 meter) 210cm and in the alpine 300cm plus. The often discussed November 28th facet layer, at tree-line and in the alpine 130cm to 160cm buried and is reacting to upper hard shear results “STH and CTH29(SP)”. At the test profile, elevation 1620 meter aspect south incline 33 degr. we have found a 2 cm thick melt-freeze crust of pencil minus density down 102cm and is reacting to moderate  shear results “CTM17(SP). In the higher alpine recent wind from southwest has formed smaller size windslabs along exposed ridges and soft slabs in wind-loaded lee-sloping terrain features. 
Over the past days we had incredible powder skiing in a deep snowpack. Even in lower elevations the alder is well covered and skiing is absolutely top. Lots of very happy smiles while skiing long and fun lines in the alpine and in the trees. 

Enjoy the great powder
Ruedi Beglinger
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide

Selkirk Mountain Experience

 
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