[MCR] Selkirk Mountains-Laforme Creek-Sale Mountain

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Hi,

Just came out of the Sale Mountain area (North of Mount Revelstoke  
National Park in the Selkirks) where I guided a group for 4 days.

30cm of storm snow coupled with moderate to strong winds from the  
South created widespread windslabs at Treeline and Alpine elevations.  
We did not ski much at these elevations due to poor ski quality  
(upside down feel) and avalanche hazard concerns. Some cracking around  
our skis while breaking trail on Tuesday, but otherwise nothing moved  
while skiing.

Trail breaking depth improved during our stay, starting at 70cm deep,  
diminishing to 40cm by the last day, testing our early season fitness...

Of note, only one avalanche was observed (48-72hrs old by now), a bit  
of a surprise considering the large amount of storm snow during the  
last week and the recent wind event.  A size 2.5 or 3, on or near the  
edge of a glacier on a North aspect, slab 100-150m wide with a one  
Meter crown above a big cliff, definitely a large and unsupported  
feature. Could not see the deposit due to marginal light.

Snowmobilers were showing up late afternoon as we exited, but we did  
not see them engage the steeper slopes.

These widespread windslabs are now buried by a layer of beautiful dry  
powder. Careful assessment will be required, specially near ridge tops  
before jumping in. Cornices were starting to form and large glide  
cracks were observed on West and South facing slopes.

Take care,

Sylvain Hebert
ACMG Ski Guide