[MCR] Monashee Mountains Dec.1/2013

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

I am currently working in the Monahsee Mountains just west of Blanket
Glacier (SW of Revelstoke).

 

All these observations are limited to Treeline and Below Treeline terrain -
we have not had the opportunity to observe the Alpine other than the
occasional glimpse between the fog and snow

 

We have had 34cms of snow in the last 24hours with mild temps and little
wind (again no ALPINE obs). Our test have indicated that there is currently
a touchy storm snow interface down 35-40 cms. 

 

The Nov.28th layer in this area is down 45-55cms and is a mix of small
surface hoar and decomposing new snow on Treeline Northerly aspects with a
suncrust on steeper solar aspects - the Surface Hoar was more developed in
Below Treeline terrain but we done't ahve a lot of info there. It is still a
concern at this point in time, but hopefully it won't linger too long.

 

The Nov.12 interface is a crust in all profiles and has been unreactive in
all tests.

 

On North aspects we have found some found remants of the October snows at
the base of the snowpack - it presents itself as a crust with some weaker
snow below it (basal facets) but currently is not reacting. It is not
present on aspects that got more sun in October.

 

We have not observed any natural avalanches but we are getting results in
the recent storm snow with our test (including low scores on rutschblock
tests) and managed to ski cut a 40 cm deep slab on a steep convex feature at
Tree line (size 1)

 

We are using conservative route finding and are optimistic that the forecast
cooling temps will help bond these layers in the next while.

 

Until then - keep it real and play safe!

 

Cheers,

Scott Davis 

ACMG Mountain Guide  

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