Variable HS on Wapta Ice-field & lots of transported snow on the NW ridge

Mountain Conditions Report

<p>We tour up to Bow hut and continue to the summit of Mount Olive via St-Nic/Olive col and up the NW ridge.</p> <p>Weather<br /> Moderate wind from the South West transporting snow at ridge top.<br /> No significant precipitation during the day but visibility was in and out, poor at time. </p> <p>Sign of instability and Avalanche observation.<br /> We did not see any sign of instability other than a small cornice fall in the canyon, which released sometime during the day.<br /> We did not observe any new avalanches: however limited observation due to weather.</p> <p>Travel condition.<br /> Height of snow is highly variable on the Wapta Ice field. The toe of the glacier just above Bow Hut had 300cm +, whereas in the middle of the glacier going toward Olive (about 2800), HS was 125cm. </p> <p>Ski penetration on the glacier ranged from 5-15 cm of wind effected snow. But foot penetration was up to 50 cm, while boot packing up the ridge of Olive, (lots of snow transport). </p> <p>We skied down the East side of Mount St Nic, enjoying a 20 cm of nice powder all the way down to the end of the glacier. </p> <p>Fred Amyot<br /> ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide</p>