[MCR] Selkirk Mtns. - Corbin Pass - Jan.11/09

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

I was skiing in the Corbin Pass (west of Glacier Park) area today with some
guests.

 

Weather was mild (-1.0 at the parking lot in the am) with some light snow
showers throughout the day with gusty westerly winds that caused numerous
tree bomb events (clumps of snow falling off the trees) below treeline and I
am sure some wind slabs in the exposed treeline and Alpine terrain.

 

There was 15-25 cms new snow over the last 48hrs. and ski penetration was
close to 45 cms. (off the old up track)  - there was an easy shear down
10cms. in the storm snow, though it didn't pose a problem for us during our
descents - the Dec.26th interface (buried below 60-100 cms. storm snow) is
quite variable and so we simply limited our terrain to below the road and
skied moderate angled small treed slopes to manage the uncertainty in the
snowpack.

 

Ski quality was good and will improve on lower angled terrain as the storm
snow settles out over the next few days. Lower alders still a bit nasty -
especially if you don't know the best way past them. Road was not ploughed
recently and when it is, it only goes to the first switchback (which is
still much appreciated - 4 wheel drive mandatory).

 

I would guess the deeper instabilities (Dec. 26th and Nov.21) are not going
anywhere fast.

 

Cheers,

 

Scott Davis

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

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