[MCR] Selkirk Mountains - Rogers Pass - Asulkan-Bruins Pass - Pk 8812

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Last nights clearing after a week of unsettled weather allowed for a good
freeze of the upper snowpack overnight making for quick travel and great
corn skiing - even a little powder on high elevation, steep North aspect
alpine terrain.

 

I initially headed up towards Youngs Peak from the Asulkan Parking lot - I
had just started to travel down the railroad grade when I ran into some
Grizzly tracks that came down off Abbot and then headed up the trail -
unfortunately in the direction I had hoped to go - they looked to have been
made later yesterday afternoon - but I wasn't keen to find out if she/he was
hanging around so I aborted that plan and headed up behind the hotel towards
Bruins Pass and Pk. 8812.

 

I walked on a mostly supportive crust (some weak spots under the tree
covered part of the trail) before putting my skis on just after crossing the
path known as "Frequent Flyer". Managed without ski crampons as the surface
softened enough when needed to get an edge.

 

Crust held on everything except steep South Aspects just above the valley -
I was out by 12:30 and I am sure things continued to soften more after that.

 

This morning East aspects were soft enough to ski by 8 am - SE by 10am and I
am sure the West onto North had good skiing fairly late in the afternoon.

 

Lots of old wet snow deposits from the last few days - mostly out of steep
terrain and up to size 2 - nothing was moving by the time I exited but it
definitely looked pretty warm in steep Rocky areas. Powdery North aspects
had @15-20cms over a strong crust.

 

Lots of Cornices along ridge crests that have yet to feel the real heat of
spring - so I would be especially wary of them for the next while as the sun
makes it presence known over the weekend.

 

Other than that lots of great spring skiing to be had if things continue to
freeze overnight - of course Timing is everything - next to Location
Location Location - which is of course all about Timing!

 

Have a great weekend (and yes I will hang up the skis after today - I
promise Larry) 

 

Scott Davis

ACMG/IFMGA  Mountain Guide

 

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