[MCR] Kootenay Pass, Southern Selkirk Mountains

Just back from trip to Kootenay Pass. Here are a few observations from
the day.

The storm from earlier in the week changed things a bit. The coverage
is better, though still nowhere at the mid-winter levels. Be careful on
wind-swept rides and lower elevations, the rock are still there. As
well, at lower elevations there is now a crust on or near the surface.
Depending on the elevation and aspect, it could make for some pleasant
or unpleasant skiing.

A weak inversion had formed and the air temperature was hovering around
zero above 1700m elevation. It felt strangely spring-like on the
ridges. It was about -3C lower down at the highway. There was little
or no wind during our tour.

There was widespread surface hoar development at all elevations and on
all aspects. It was up to 12mm in sheltered, moist areas and almost
nonexistent on warm solar aspects. I hope this doesn't become our first
persistent weak layer of the season.

We had a great run off of Wolf Ridge down the main avalanche path to the
power line. This is a solar aspect and the snow was moist at about
1900m elevation, then dried out as we skied lower into the inversion.
At about 1700m elevation the crust became apparent. It was supportive
so the skiing was good as we swished through the surface hoar.

Our last run of the day was off the Camel's Hump down to the power line
on a north aspect. The snow was of good quality until we hit the crust
at about 1700m elevation. The crust here was not supportive and made
the skiing challenging.

It was great day for a tour in the sunshine.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
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