A TRU Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide Program Ski Guide Exam spent a
week of ski touring in the Rockies from April 4-10 in Lake Louise, Kootenay
Parkway, Icefields Parkway and Kananaskis areas. We experienced a variety of
weather over the week with significant snow fall averaging 30cm in the alpine
on April 5th. New snow fell with little wind affect and bonded well
to old surfaces. During the week we had cold nights and daytime warming on
solar aspects with freezing levels going up to 2100m. Avalanche
activity was limited to point releases up to size 1,5 (loose dry and loose
wet). Cornice failures produced a variety of results up to size 3 (older) from deep
slab releases on steep North facing aspects. Sluffing observed on steep
Northerly aspects. Recent
storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces. There is a well settled mid pack on
all aspects sitting over weak snow above the ground (basal facets). On
Southerly aspects multiple crust layers are present. Good travel
conditions on glacier with snow depth varying from 150-350cm. Warm conditions
at lower elevations have caused wet snow conditions making travel challenging
later in the day. Great ski quality was found on North aspects. Good trip
planning is essential with early starts due to day time warming. Bring ski
crampons. Today in
Lake Louise it is snowing and more new snow is expected.
The Ski Guide Exam Crew & Marc Piché - Mountain Guide Todd Craig - Mountain Guide
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