[MCR] Trophy Mountain Chalet, Wells Gray Park January 10-13

I was ski guiding at Trophy Mountain Chalet near Clearwater, BC with ski guide Terry Palechuk, January 10-13, on a Thompson Rivers University Adventure Tourism ski course.

 

We did not observe any new avalanches, but there had been a natural avalanche cycle at treeline and below treeline on the well preserved mid-December surface hoar size 5-15mm  (down about 100 cm) during the big storm.  It was reacting to tests in the hard range, with sudden planar and sudden collapse results. 

 

We skied conservative terrain between 2200m and 1500m elevation.  Excellent ski quality with the storm snow settling rapidly.  Surprising that we did not experience a single whumph over the 4 days, despite travelling with a group size of 10 and the buried surface hoar being so well preserved. 

 

We had generally clear skies with extensive valley fog, and treeline temperatures ranging from +2 to -8 C. 

 

The latest surface hoar layer was still forming and growing (size 5 to 12+ mm) when we skied out on January 13^th, and was noted on all aspects and right to ridgetop, something to watch for when the next storm rolls in.  There was some light sun crust on steep solar aspects. 

 

Some photos of our trip can be viewed in an album on the facebook link below.

 

Regards,

 

Jordy Shepherd

ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JordyCanmore

Twitter: @JordyCanmore

 

_______________________________________________
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.