[MCR] Avalanche Control Mt. Bourgeau

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

I would like to clarify the avalanche control strategies and restrictions
for Bourgeau Left hand and Right hand.

   Parks Canada only does avalanche control control on avalanche paths that
   affect roads.
   Bourgeau Left Hand  is not one of those paths and does NOT get
   controlled (contrary to what is stated in early editions of the
   guidebook)
   Bourgeau Right Hand very rarely affects the parking lot and therefore
   very occasionally gets control.
   Avalanche control in the area can easily cause sympathetic  avalanches
   on Bourgeau Left Hand and Bourgeau Right Hand. A sympathetic avalanche
   is one that occurs when another avalanche is triggered on a nearby path.
   For this reason, Parks Canada closes those two ice routes to climbing
   when avalanche control is planned.

Marc Ledwidge
Manager, Mountain Safety Programs
Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
220 Hawk Avenue
Box 900, Banff, AB
T1L 1K2
Ph: 403-762-1401