Observations from the recent CMSG Ski Guide Exam, April 10-18, in the Lake Louise area. Areas travelled include: Cirque Pk, Sub-Observation Pk, Mt Hector, Cathedral Pk, Surprise Pass, Upper Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise Backcountry, White Pyramid, Crowfoot Pk. The week started with winter conditions: cold temperatures, new snow daily, and moderate to strong westerly winds. 40cm of new snow fell during the period of April 10th-14th. On the 15th, more spring-like weather began with strong, daily temperature cycles and rising freezing levels. During this time, the sun began to influence the snow on solar aspects. That said, North facing alpine elevations still harbour dry snow and winter-like conditions. Initial concerns in the snowpack were for basal weaknesses and isolated wind slabs in lee features. This changed with the new 40cms of storm snow and strong winds, depositing up to 80cm’s in lee features. This snow was overlying crusts on solar aspects and facets on north aspects. Warm temperatures and high winds pressed and settled the new snow the 15th and 16th with the last day seeing a return to normal spring conditions and a melt/ freeze cycle.
The week started with moderate avalanche hazard but avalanche activity spiked with the new snow and winds producing deep slabs up to size 3. The warming on the 15th with high winds also produced numerous avalanches up to size 3 on solar and wind loaded aspects. By week’s end, activity had subsided with a few solar avalanches in steep wind loaded terrain.
Matt Peter MG Craig McGee MG
CMSG Ski Guide Candidates |