[MCR] Mallard Lodge, Canadian Rockies

Hi all,

We have been enjoying good skiing and a unique wilderness experience out of the Mallard Lodge for the last 4 days. This area is located just west of Jasper National Park. The height of snow at treeline in this area is about 145cm. The snowpack here is a typical continental snowpack with much thickness variation in the alpine. The upper 30-40 cm is supportive and skis very well at all elevations. It displays a nice hardness increase from fist to one finger plus snow. The mid-pack is faceted, softer and weaker.  Snowpack tests on various aspects and elevations are producing moderate to hard resistant shears down 30-35cm and moderate to hard sudden shears down 45-75cm. The deeper weak layer is most likely the early January layer and consist of decomposed surface hoar to 5mm overlying a 10-15cm softer (one finger minus) faceted snow layer below. The lower snow pack is much firmer and appears stable at this time.

We have been skiing treeline and alpine terrain to 38 degrees with an emphasis on supported slopes. We have been experiencing lots of dynamic snowpack settlements (whumpfing) at all elevations however, none of them triggered avalanches. We have been avoiding convex slopes and exposure to overhead avalanche terrain. Today the ridge top winds picked up to moderate from the southwest and new wind slabs started to become a concern in alpine lee start zones. Cornice growth was significant today. We saw a few natural cornice falls and in one case a size 2 slab was triggered by a cornice fall.  We also saw a natural size 2 in a cross-loaded slope at treeline today. Both avalanches appear to release on the early January weak layer down 45-75cm. Skiing is still really good in protected areas however, this may change with foretasted winds and warming trend.

Mallard Lodge is a great venue for folks looking interested in a small modern and comfortable lodge with varied and interesting terrain.

Regards,

David Lussier

acmg mountain guide

http://summitmountainguides.com/

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