[MCR] North Rockies Pine Pass

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Here are a few observation from the Pine Pass area and from the Head 
of the Table river. This is somewhat of a generalization of the 
snowpack in this region but a few things to think about if you are 
heading that way.

There has been over a metre of new snow in the last week north of 
Prince George. Most of it fell Wednesday and Thursday, but an 
additional 10-15cm on Saturday.

In the northern areas near Pine Pass, (around Powder King Ski Resort) 
cold temperatures prevailed until late Friday when a quick 
temperature rise gave way to an avalanche cycle in the new storm 
snow. It went from -18 to -1 in about 4 hours.

There was a small avalanche cycle some time late Friday, likely 
associated with this dramatic temperature rise.
Still however, it did not seem critical until later on Saturday, 
when  very strong SW winds started to move the storm snow into 
Northerly facing terrain features.

On Saturday, the depth of the snowpack at Powder king treeline 
(1500m) was about 150cm, and the foot penetration was about one 
metre. The skiing was quite difficult as there was warm wind affected 
new snow, on top of cold low density snow....(upside down powder)

Saturday night the winds continued with hourly gusts over 100km. 
There was a widespread cycle Saturday night into early Sunday, mostly 
on NE-NW aspects. Southerly aspects were stripped right into the start zones.

So travellers, be aware of loaded features on Northerly aspects, 
understanding that there may still be many slopes with slabs that are 
being bridged by low density snow in the midpack.
I would suspect that the warm temperatures will help the snowpack to 
settle and gain strength over the next while, but go cautiously, not boldly...

The snowpack has nearly doubled in the last week and needs some time 
to consolidate.

On a side note....the Powder King resort Restaurant has the best 
Clubhouse Sandwich I have had in a long time.
Good food at a ski resort...what a refreshing idea!

Peter Amann
Mountain Guide.





Peter Amann
Mountain Guide
pamann at incentre.net