[MCR] Skiing at Bow Peak Area

I spent the day skiing NE aspects on Bow Peak today with friends Ben and Will, up to 2650m elevation.

Temps ranged from -15 to -8, overcast throughout.  Compression tests demonstrated moderate to hard shears 35cms and 95 cms down in the snowpack.  The midpack seemed quite strong, the warm temps of the past weeks have produced a well bonded pack.  Overall snowpack depth was >215cm.  Boot penetration was <25cm.  The top 10-15 cms of storm snow from the past week sloughed easily on steeper aspects, but did not step down.

The final 50m of the "Grand Daddy" was thin, and there is still a large cornice overhead.  Variable conditions throughout, but great skiing to be had, particularly BLT (below tree line).

No wind today, but there is snow available for transport and the cornices will continue to grow when the winds pick up again.

Brent Peters
AAG
Canmore, AB