MCR Observation

Mountain Conditions Report

<p>Just out of a great week of skiing at the Burnie Glacier Chalet in the Howson Range near Smithers, B.C. </p> <p>We received about 130cm of snow at treeline throughout the week with mild temperatures, and a couple windy periods. The new snow seemed to be bonding well to the previous surfaces and the only natural avalanche activity we saw during the week were small storm slabs in wind loaded areas. The main avalanche concerns when we left yesterday were for small wind slabs in the alpine and steep wind loaded rolls at treeline. The Feb 11th melt freeze crust was down 60-90cm and producing inconsistent shears in test results. The December and January surface hoar layers were still visible in some snow pits down 110cm or more, but test results showed a low likelihood of triggering these layers and we saw no new avalanches on these PWL's.</p> <p>Glacier coverage averaged 240cm+ of well settled snow. A few more crevasses than normal were visible in some locations due to a slightly lower than normal snowpack but travel on the glaciers was generally straightforward.</p> <p>A beautiful and remote place to spend a week exploring on skis!</p>