[MCR] East Columbia/Western Rockies Avalanche Summary for January 1st, 2014

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Happy New Years skiers and climbers.


A heads up is needed for people skiing/riding in the East Columbia and Western Rockies.  There have been numerous skier/rider involvement avalanches in the past few weeks around Golden.  Some with minor injuries,  some not so lucky.  This is occurring in the East Columbia region and North in the Western Rockies.  Involvements have been skiers either going for a ride in avalanche start zones or triggering a steep start zone slope and being lucky.


I have been out extensively this month around Glacier Park to Lake louise.


The problem in the East Columbia/Rockies region is a lack of strength in the whole snow pack.  Failing on the ground or near ground.  Occurring with some form of a trigger.  Severe faceting exists in the lower snowpack.  From the cold snap we had.   Especially in start zones around rocks.  This persistence won't be going away anytime soon unless this area gets a substantial warm wet system or an extended length of pleasant temperatures.


If you are set to touring in these areas, I emphasize the caution that is needed when managing bigger alpine and tree line terrain features.  Staying out of the start zones and skiing ridges are a good idea.


In Glacier park,   Not to be forgotten about is the persistent December 8th surface hoar layer down 80-120 cm's.  This layer is producing inconsistent results on various aspects in the alpine and at tree line.  
But…I have had numerous moderate sudden planar compression test results lately on this layer in the alpine.  This gave me good reason to retreat or keep it toned down.


Terrain that seems manageable in Glacier, in the alpine are either low-moderate alpine slopes,  ridge features, constricted features or alpine bowls that are manageable.  


Glacier has received, steady amounts of new storm snow in the past few days of up to 25 cm's. Along Substantial winds from the West.   This new storm layer  down 20-30 cm's is reactive to skier traffic in steep terrain in the Alpine and at Tree line today.  This issue will go away with some time.


The weather forecast for Thursday is calling for moderate amounts of new snow.  More snow in the Selkirk's. 


My concern is for the Purcell and Western Rockies.  More accumulation is suppose to happen.  I'm guessing without a significant avalanche cycle. Due to a lack of snow reaching threshold for an natural avalanche cycle to occur.  This issue will pose an even greater risk for  skier/rider triggered avalanches.    


Again, this season is shaping up to be a tricky one.  Especially for the East Columbia/Western Rockies regions. 


I hope every one digs or will consider digging a snow pit before committing to a slope with any form of a consequence.  Know what you are riding on.


Place safe and have lots of fun.


Jonny Simms                             ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide1(604)815-9225Golden, BChttp://jonnysimms.com


 		 	   		  
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