[MCR] Wapta Icefields

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

The following observations are forwarded from Nick Rapaich and James Blench:

Four days up on the Wapta Icefeilds Feb 11th-14th
Ski toured from Bow
 Hut to Belfour Hut and back to the Bow Hut.
Storm started on the 
evening of the 11th on our way up to the Bow Hut.
During the day of 
the 12th on our way to the Balfour Hut, strong south west winds and 
snowing up to 2cm/hour at times. 
The storm ended early in the am on 
the 13th (4:00). Bring an estimate of 30-40cm of storm snow with 
drifting up to 55-65cm.
The morning of the 13th at the Balfour Hut 
had revealed a widespread avalanche cycle through the night and it 
continued into the day.
Natural avalanches, skier remote triggered 
and skier triggered avalanches were noted. From size 1 to large size 
2's.
During travel we experienced extensive whumping on the new snow 
and the previous snow surface (March8th) on all aspects and elevations 
up to 3000m.
This morning (14th) on Mt Ronda size 3 avalanche had 
released stepping down to deeper week layers within the snow pack.
We
 were avoiding exposure to terrain steep enough to avalanche, slopes 
that have not slide or overhead hazards(loaded slopes, cornices). 
When
 ever any exposure was mandatory we using diligent safety measures to 
mitigate the hazards.
By noon today there was strong wind transport 
at ridgetop and loading taking place with natural avalanches still 
happening.
Be careful out there!

Nicholas Rapaich -  Assistant
 Alpine, Assistant Ski Guide
James Blench -  Mountain Guide
Yamnuska
 Mountain Adventures
 		 	   		  
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