[MCR] Rockies: Bow Pass

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

I went for a short tour on my way to my Mom's house for Christmas
dinner. I was north of the Bow Summit area, on an east aspect between
1750 m and 2300 m. 
A pretty thin snowpack here still, only about 100 cm. But like
everywhere this season so far it was supportive in both the forest and
open areas. 

I saw snowballing and small loose dry avalanches coming out of steep,
cliffy terrain when the sun hit it. This even though it was still about
-20 in the shade. Something to think about if you are skiing couloirs
like many of us have been doing during this period of stable conditions.


I also saw evidence of a size 2 avalanche that had been triggered by an
icefall. This had occurred overnight after yesterday afternoon's
snowfall. I was surprised that this rather benign looking serac had
calved seeing as it was -26 when I left the truck. 

Finally, of note more to ice climbers and alpinists perhaps, I saw
another avalanche that had occurred overnight. This was on an east
facing hanging snowfield at about 2900 m. It was a deep persistent slab,
about 120 cm deep, and had failed on the ground. Probably triggered by a
cornice. It did not propagate across the entire snowfield, it was only
about 15-20 m wide. 

Turkey dinner was good tonight!

Mark Klassen 
ACMG-IFMGA MOUNTAIN GUIDE 
Alpinism | » Avalanche Skills Training 2 January 2016 [1] 

 

Links:
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[1] http://alpinism.com/avalanche-skills-training-2-january-2016/
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