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Last week’s discussion continued to highlight the Dec 29 Surface Hoar Layer. This week we have seen new snow. The weather has been consistently flowing from the South West and it has been relatively warm.
SNOWPACK FEATURES
• Up to 50cm of storm snow has fallen over the last week.
• Winds generally coming from the South West, these winds have increased snow loading on the Northerly Aspects near the ridge tops they have also cross loaded gullies and ridges.
• Freezing levels have been at about 1500m so wet snow can be found at lower elevations.
• Dec 29 Surface Hoar can still be found in sheltered areas at tree line and is now buried about 100cm down.
• Cooler temps retained deeper in the snow pack is helping preserve the surface hoar. It is not rounding out and continues to be a persistent slab or week layer.
OBSERVATIONS
• Cornices are becoming tender.
• Some slabs that released just below the cornices in the start zone were reported to be 3m thick.
• Lee of ridges and most aspects from west through north to east should be considered wind loaded with extra snow.
• There has been little avalanche activity reported on the Dec 29 Surface Hoar Layer
RECREATIONAL TIPS
• Have extra caution on aspects between west through north to east; these aspects will be wind loaded near the ridge tops with extra snow that can easily be triggered by a skier or snowmobile.
• Features similar to that of Mount Fernie slide paths (gullies) that are cross-loaded buy the wind should be avoided.
• Be cautious of terrain that is above you - remember cornices are weak.
• The Avalanche Hazard is Considerable at Treeline and in the Alpine. This is a time of extra caution in steeper terrain.
• Open areas will have been more affected by wind be careful around convex and gullied features.
I will continue to stay cautious and stick to lower angled slopes avoiding start zones near ridge features.
I will be keeping clear of cornice fall lines, keeping in mind that if a cornice fails it could start a slab avalanche.
Snow in the trees should be very good but I will be cautious in open areas within the trees.
• Nick Morris grew up in the Elk Valley in a skiing family, he has been working in the avalanche industry for 20 years and is an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Ski Guide. To book backcountry trips or an avalanche skills course call 250-423-8644 or see www.snowvalleyguiding.com
Nick will be reporting weekly on the local snow conditions. If you have any questions for him, email freepress@shawcable.com or call 250-423-4666.
Look out for updates to his weekly report at www.thefreepress.ca
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