[MCR] King Creek Avalanches

While walking in and out of King Creek in Kananaskis Country yesterday, Dec 5, I observed the debris of several size 1.0 - 1.5 loose snow avalanches that had occurred during the day. These point releases came out of south facing gullies above the creek and ran approximately 100 meters down to the trail, leaving 150 cm of debris. The slides ran to ground in 30 cm of highly faceted snow. Temperatures during the day in the creek bottom varied from -19°C to -15°C, but the temperatures at higher elevations were much higher. At 10 00 on the same day, Nakiska ridgetop was reporting 1°C.

Ice climbers should be careful in their route selection. Be especially wary of south facing climbs in gully features that have start zones in the alpine.

Grant Meekins
ACMG Mountain Guide
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures