Catamount/North Star

We spent December 9-11 skiing in the area around the Olive Hut. We travelled on all aspects, and on both the Catamount and North Star glaciers. We found there was less snow than we expected considering recent reports from nearby areas (Bugaboos and Jumbo Pass). The coverage on the glaciers is marginal, with many open crevasses, and sharks are aplenty in many of the preferred ski runs. Climbing is technical with more exposed rock than typical.

December 9 we had broken skies and Mod to Strong South or SW winds. Weather on December 10 was favourable for travel in the Alpine, with clear skies and cool temperatures. Winds were generally Moderate from the NW, gusting Strong at ridge top. Cloud cover increased the night of December 10, and winds increased, becoming Strong and Westerly. The morning of December 11 was overcast with light flurries. Wind tapered and visibility improved around 10 AM.

Highly variable snow depths depending on aspect and wind exposure. On the Catamount glacier we probed anywhere from 80-180cm, with a typical depth around 1m. Probing on the North Star glacier, we found depths ranging from 60cm-130cm, with more snow higher on the glacier. Sheltered North and East facing terrain is holding 40cm of soft snow from the most recent storm. On South aspects, Mod to Strong winds have scoured snow back to a crust formed during recent warm and dry conditions. In several locations, we found well developed facets near the bottom of the snowpack. At higher elevations, strong winds have formed hard wind slabs and sastrugi on leeward and cross-loaded slopes. Strong Westerly winds on our last night formed a wind crust in open areas where previously the snow remained soft.