MCR Observation

Mountain Conditions Report

<p>The Candadian Mountain and Ski Guide touring course spent the past week skiing in the Coast Range. </p> <p>Whistler/Blackcomb Feb 1-3, 2016</p> <p>Evidence of the Jan 28 rain event and associated natural avalanche cycle was widespread, with a supportive rain crust below 1800m and rugged refrozen debris on runs such as Husume, the Poop Chutes and Phalanx. </p> <p>On Feb 2 visibility was good, and numerous aggressive lines in the Blackcomb backcountry were skied with sluffing to size one. A large cornice fall in the Trorey Col did not initiate an avalanche on the underlying slope. </p> <p>A storm cycle began on Feb 3 with moderate to strong southerly winds, moderate rates of precipitation and increasing temperatures, with touchy windslabs developing near ridge tops. Cornices are growing rapidly. </p> <p>Since our last field day in the Whistler on Feb 3, significant snowfall and continued winds have likely changed conditions considerably. </p> <p>Duffey Lakes Rd - Marriot Basin and Cerise Creek Feb 4-5, 2016</p> <p>Ski quality was very poor below treeline with 10-15cm of recent snow over the supportive Jan 28 rain crust. </p> <p>A significant storm began on Feb 4 with snowfall, moderate to strong southerly winds and mild temperatures. By early in the day on Feb 5 the wind affect was widespread, one huge tree had fallen over the approach trail to the Keith hut, and windslabs were cracking with ski traffic at 1900m and above. </p> <p>The early January SH layers were found down 1m and results on this layer in snowpack tests varied from resistant planar to sudden planar depending on location. </p> <p>Jasmin Caton<br /> Conny Amelunxen<br /> Kirsten Knechtel<br /> Marc Piché</p>