[MCR] Cirque Peak, Banff National Park, Rockies, 2016-02-25

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Did a nice tour up to Helen Lake, over Cirque Peak to the Cirque Glacier,
and back around to Kathryn Lake with friends today. Travel was fast and the
skiing was good on all but steeper South aspects where a temperature crust
was present.

A few solar triggered avalanches up to size 1.5 observed out of steep rocky
terrain starting around noon but the snow stayed quite cool all day. Recent
debris from Dolomite Peak hit the uptrack on the way to Helen Lake, and
there were many recent slides up to size 3 on the deep persistent layers
along Helen Ridge and the backside of Cirque Peak. Lots of whumphing while
travelling in thin snow pack areas. We minimized overhead hazard and
avoided steep terrain with the exception of the coulior descent on the
North side of Cirque Peak.

A 40m lower from a slung block gets you past the rocks in the North Couloir
on Cirque Peak. An ice axe was handy for the last person down climbing to
this point, boot crampons could be considered but were not needed today.
The Cirque Glacier had been hit by the wind but was still soft enough to
enjoy the skiing. One large open crevasse in the upper Cirque Glacier which
was easily avoided.
--
Conrad Janzen
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
Banff Mountain Guides <http://www.banffmountainguides.com>
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