[MCR] Cirque Glacier and Crowfoot Peaks, Rockies, January 28-29, 2015

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

After starting with some low expectations, Will Woods and I spent the last
two days skiing on the Cirque Glacier, and the Crowfoot and Little Crowfoot
Peaks.

Conditions above 2200m were surprisingly good as long we stayed away from
the wind scoured ridges and cols and stuck to thicker snowpack areas.
Travel in general is fast and supportive especially on the glaciers. Ski
penetration was between 5-10cm with some good skiing to be found on all
aspects. Still lots of rocks to watch for when off the glaciers and plenty
of wind slab to avoid.

Below 2200m a breakable crust exists in most areas and the tree skiing is
very poor because of this, however the snowpack is more supportive than
before the big warm up and uptracking was quite reasonable.

Snow depths on the Cirque Glacier averaged between 160-180cm. Of note is
the presence of several crevasses in the upper quarter of the glacier,
including a large open one that is in the fall line below the couloir
leading down from the summit. It extends more than halfway across the
glacier although part of it is thinly bridged. This would not be fun to
encounter in poor visibility. (see attached photo)

Snow depths on the Crowfoot Glacier averaged 140-150cm with just a few sags
noted on the skiers left when descending from Little Crowfoot. Skiing was
quite good on the glacier and most of the rest of the Wapta appeared to be
in similar condition. Reports of good ski conditions yesterday on the Bow
Glacier were also given to us.

Travel conditions up and down the canyon leading to Bow Hut are as easy as
it gets right now and most of Bow Lake can be skate skied.

No new avalanches observed. Still some minor concerns for wind loading on
steep unsupported terrain and the basal weakness in steep rocky terrain at
tree line and above.

All in all some fun skiing, nice summits and good travel. Nice to be
pleasantly surprised!
--
Conrad Janzen
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
Banff Mountain Guides <http://www.banffmountainguides.com>
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