[MCR] Rockies- Bow Summit neighbourhood Jan 3rd, 2012

Been skiing a little bit south, west and north of Bow Summit in the past few days. Snowpack generally feels good but it's ski quality and strength continues to deteriorate in the cold temperatures and recent winds.

Today in shallow snowpack areas North of Bow Summit, ski penetration was variable from HARD crust in the open alpine to skis almost to the ground in sheltered areas below treeline. Loose surface snow (Surface hoar and facets) below treeline may be a future weak layer. The nasty wind will at least have beaten up this surface layer in some of the open treeline and alpine.

No Chinook along the divide today and it was darn COLD in the shade and downflowing air.

Worked well today going downhill to watch for the ripples and avoid the chalky looking snow surface.

Larry Stanier
ACMG Mountain Guide
laristan@telus.net



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