[MCR] Revelstoke has the snow

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Hello all

Looks all snow is once again in the Revelstoke area, mostly west, north and northeast of town (Durrand Glacier Area). 

Today I went up Mt. MacPherson and found a much bigger snowpack then what I have heard over the past days reported about other areas in BC and Alberta (including Rogers Pass). At elevation 1000 meter 90 cm, elevation 1500 meter 150 cm and at 2150 meter (at the Amphitheatre) 180 cm to 200 cm. In all elevations the snowpack has been strongly settled, with ski penetration of 20 cm to 35 cm. In the alpine and at tree-line significant wind from west has been observed this afternoon. In these areas deep windslabs started to form, deep cracking but no shearing yet. Directly below tree-line and at lower elevations the snowpack showed no significant weaknesses. While skiing steep unsupported rolls no cracking or shearing has been observed. A stability test at elevation 1850 meter showed no significant weakness on the surface hoar and facet layer which is now buried up to 80 cm. 

Skiing was absolutely top, fast powder and well covered alder in lower elevations. if you are looking for snow then maybe you want to consider this ski-tour. unfortunately the route to the summit or the great Amphitheatre is not described in "Summits and Icefields”. Mt. MacPherson makes an absolutely great ski-tour, in stormy conditions to the Amphitheatre and in calm weather to the grand summit. Most people go to the much shorter destination, the Fingers and Burned Knob, leaving the great powder for you. MacPherson to the summit is a big ski-tour with lots of inspiring skiing and lots of snow, starting at the Cross-country parking lot (elevation 600 meter), the summit is 2500 meter.

Enjoy the early winter and have great fun

Ruedi Beglinger
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
Selkirk Mountain Experience
www.selkirkexperience.com