[MCR] Athabasca and area

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

> Spent May 20-23 based out of the Columbia Icefields campground with  the 

> Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester group.

>

> Weather:

> The high pressure moved in on May 21st bringing clear skies, west  winds 

> ranging from calm in the morning to moderate gusts in the  afternoons. 

> Overnight temps ranged from -4 to -7 with daytime highs of  +6 to +10 

> degrees.

>

> Snowpack:

> Snow school at Parker Ridge on the 20th found us postholing in a  winter 

> snowpack. Average foot penetration of 30cm with some 100cm+ in weak  spots 

> around trees in the forest. HS 250cm with a Melt/Freeze crust down 30cm 

> and 60cm. The usual site for crevasse rescue is sporting a large  cornice 

> at the lower part. We climbed Boundary peak on May 22nd and  found a dry 

> winter snowpack on the glacier, snow depth was 160cm at 2500m with the 

> same Melt/Freeze crusts down 15cm and 30cm at the base of the Boundary/ 

> Athabasca col. We descended a fair bit to the skier's left of the  usual 

> descent, to avoid a 15cm thick windslab, instead traveling down  exposed 

> scree and patches of snow that were below threshold. The  overnight 

> freezes provided good travel in the mornings on the way to  Boundary, as 

> well as the Athabasca Glacier (May 22-23) and stayed  relatively 

> supportive in the afternoon despite the warm temps.  Traveling off the 

> Athabasca Glacier on May 23rd in the afternoon, foot  penetration averaged 

> 20cm with some punchy spots.

>

> Avalanche Activity:

> Numerous avalanches were observed on solar aspects with the daytime 

> warming. Evidence of several slab avalanches in the past few days were 

> observed on all aspects, ranging from size 1 to 2.5, including two  size 2 

> releases from the top of Parker Ridge.

>

> Synopsis:

> It seems to be the beginning of the spring cycle with the onset of  this 

> warm weather. Many slopes are looking fat, wintery and are  waiting for 

> the right trigger. We were not keen on exposing ourselves  to any big snow 

> slopes overhead, or to venture out onto the bigger  slopes that have not 

> already slid. The warm temps are beginning the  process of consolidation, 

> but it is only the start, and the overnight  freezes are not lasting long. 

> Travel in avalanche terrain will rely on  the strength of the freeze and 

> the ability to be down long before  things start to warm up and move.




>We choose to wear and carry avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel ,probe) for 

>all of our time spent in avi terrain.



>Cheers



> Jason Billing

   Assistant Alpine Guide

>

   Mike Stuart
   Alpine Guide/Assistant Ski Guide

>

>

>

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