The latest Mountain Conditions Report:
Beautiful Winter-day today.
Today's clearing allowed for a good look at the state of the backcountry in the Spearhead Range. The past few days have been rather stormy with high winds and significant accumulations. The recent storm snow (approximately 50cm at below-treeline elevations and up to 70cm or more in the alpine) sits above some weaknesses currently.
In the alpine, a layer of 'surface-hoar' (that was buried at the start of the storm on January 4th) sits below all that new snow and it isn't inspiring much confidence right now. This type of snow-crystal is fragile and, when buried deep enough and triggered, can induce entire slopes to failure. Some limited testing of this layer produced 'harder' results today (took more energy to get it to perform), but 'sudden planar' in character (meaning the layer 'popped' and still has the potential to propagate widely, if triggered). Giving this layer some time to settle out is prudent. At least one natural slab avalanche, on this layer, was observed to have released within the past day on a convex, northeast aspect in the alpine. This avalanche was large enough to bury a person.
There is a good deal of 'variability' out there right now. Nearly every aspect and elevation, it seems, has some unique snowpack elements to consider. Good route selection is key when dealing with current conditions. Choosing terrain that isn't exposed to cornice-fall (a large trigger), nor unsupported, nor large-scale/steep is, again, prudent. Terrain-traps and treewells are also important to consider.
Be aware of shallow areas where the surface-hoar may not be as deeply buried and perhaps more easily triggered. Commiting and/or convoluted terrain feels spooky right now.
Snow quality varied from 'scoured' around ridgecrests , to dry snow conditions on most other aspects including lower-angle NW-facing glaciers and gentle southeast-facing alpine/treeline slopes.
Currently, the snowpack presents a little differently, than usual, for this region. Approaching your day more conservatively, for the next while, is something to consider.....
Wishing Everyone safe travels and a pleasant weekend.
Dale Marcoux
ACMG Ski Guide
