[MCR] Rockies: Vermillion Pass - Assiniboine traverse

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Just returned from repeating another classic Chic Scott ski traverse  
over the past 6 days. Starting at Vermillion Pass we travelled  
through Shadow Lake Lodge, Egypt Lake shelter, Sunshine Village,  
Police Meadows cabin and finished last night with an outstanding meal  
and a comfy bed at Assiniboine Lodge.

Travel conditions were overall good. It was a bit punchy below 1800 m  
climbing out of Vermillion Pass but as soon as we got to 2000 m it  
was fast travelling on a firm mid-pack and low ski penetration  
(helped by a packed trail from Shadow Lake to Egypt Lake via Pharaoh  
Creek). Things were supportive all the way to Citadel Pass but things  
immediately changed at that point and it was poor going down the pass  
to the Simpson River, even above 2000 m. Lots of punching through to  
the basal facets. In the valley bottom, travelling to Police Meadows,  
things improved a bit especially the next morning when it was colder.  
 From Og Lake to Assiniboine things were fast and easy again.

Regular whumpfing along the route, especially in flat areas. There  
was some recent avalanche activity in the storm snow north of  
Sunshine on lee alpine slopes. South of Sunshine there has been a  
recent avalanche cycle on alpine west aspects, probably temperature/ 
solar triggered on March 22/23, slabs failing near the ground and  
running to middle of the runouts, up to small size 3.

The most activity we saw had occurred in the Assiniboine area, with  
slab avalanches failing deep on most aspects in the alpine. Andre  
Renner at Assiniboine reported remotely triggering an avalanche from  
a flat area 300 m away, this happened a couple of days ago.

On the flight out Bryant Creek today there has been a recent wet,  
loose snow cycle on southwest facing paths, again running to middle  
of the runout and up to small size 3.

Mark Klassen
Mountain Guide


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