[MCR] Howsons 11 Jan 10

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

On a Level I in the Howsons, we are being treated to a grand avalanche 
show. There is an ongoing natural avalanche cycle with avalanches to 
size 3.5 running full path. The critical layer seems to be surface hoar 
buried around the middle of December. This is extending to ridge tops. 
Yesterday's rain and today's sun have triggered many slabs with fracture 
lines up to 500 m long.

While conditions are decidedly ugly right now, we are looking forward to 
a freeze that will lock in the surface hoar where it has not released. 
Those conditions are quite unusual and we are moving around very 
cautiously, avoiding any exposure. We rarely see surface hoar lasting so 
long and extending so far in our mountains. Where it has not released 
and at higher elevations, it may be easily skier triggered with serious 
results.

-- 
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222	Smithers, B.C.		V0J 2N0	Canada
tel. 250-847-3351/ fax 250-847-2854 
info at bearmountaineering.ca		www.bearmountaineering.ca