[MCR] Vermillion Peak, Kootenay Park, BC Rockies

Fantastic day up there today.  We experienced numerous whumpfs (settlements) on the 30-40 cm of new snow on the March 3rd layer.  This upper snowpack is still very low density, so doesn't have slab properties, however with the warming trend that could change.  Moderate trail-breaking with a ski penetration of 30-50 cm.

I found the 10 February layer down 70 cm at treeline on a west aspect and moderate-hard reactive in tests.  Propagation tests showed potential so we kept to supported terrain.

1000 metres of face shot skiing all the way to the highway!

Much warmer on that side of the divide: in the morning the temperature warmed from -12.5 to -3.5 driving down the pass.  -1 at the car at 15:30.  

Ken Bélanger

ACMG ASG, CAA Pro

TopCog Adventures | guiding & adventure travel