[MCR] Chickadee Valley Kootenay NP 0319, Quartz Ridge Banff NP 0318

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Skied lines on NE aspects between 1900m and 2400m today in the back of Chickadee Valley, still some good snow and skiing to be found at this elevation. 
Above 2400m has been wind hammered by moderate N winds from the last few days, hard wind slab on all aspects, poor skiing.
The new Feb 17th surface hoar was also hammered by winds in the alpine areas and only found at 2000m and below on all aspects. Rime is on this surface hoar layer. 
Easy to moderate shears still persist on surface hoar down 15 and 35cm. Sun crust on all south aspects, temps were -14 to -7.

Skied lines on E aspects 2000m to 2500m off of Quarts Ridge, Banff Park yesterday, very good ski quality in boot top soft snow.
Again rime from morning fog on the Feb 17 surface hoar all aspects and elevations in alpine and at tree line. 
Easy shears persist down 10 and 30cm on surface hoar. In this area the surface hoar down 30 is well preserved, standing tall and up to 12mm.
A soft slab is forming above this layer increasing the potential for skier triggering. Warm temps and intense radiation in the alpine.
Surprised to ski no natural or skier triggered avalanche activity over the last few days. 
We avoided steep and moderate unsupported terrain.

Cheers, play safe out there.
Mark Stewart
Mountain Guide
www.cirrusalpineguides.com


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