[MCR] Observations Bow Hut Area

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Observations relevant in region of Bow Hut from April 15 to the 17th. 

Unsettled weather with periods of snow and gusty west, south west winds approximately 15 cm total accumulation for the period.

Observed wide spread cycle of loose dry avalanches to size 1.0 on afternoon of April 16th north and easterly aspects reacting to wind loading on ridge tops and occasional solar input with sunny breaks. 

A few slab avalanches observed up to size 2.0 difficult to estimate age likely within past week N and E aspects 2800 – 2600 m failure level to ground flanking terrain features maximum 50 m in width obvious cornice triggers.  

Wind transporting snow and mild air temperatures above 2200 m have formed a stiffer soft slab as of the 17th.  Ski quality is very good on the Bow and Little Crowfoot Glaciers.  Snow depth ranged from 250 to over 300 cm on Bow Glacier with ski pen averaging 10 cm in new snow or wind affected surfaces.  Little Crowfoot Glacier snow depth ranged from 110 to 250 cm and observed surface conditions to be slightly more sheltered from wind affect as compared to the Bow area.

Travel in the canyon is good, sections with open water beginning to form.  Observed some loose moist surface activity from canyon walls during area departure on the 17th induced by daytime warming. 

Skiing in the area is very good and recommended, visibility on upper elevation routes and peaks the primary challenge observed during our trip.   

Mark Vesely
ASG


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