Here is a summary of the conditions observed by the Assistant Ski Guide exam this past week:
Dates: 27 March – 02 April
Region: Duffey Lake & Blackcomb backcountry
Weather was generally unsettled and overcast with moderate to strong winds from the south and south west accompanied by moderate to heavy precipitation resulting in 60-80cm of storm snow. Freezing levels fluctuated between valley bottom and 2,000 metres producing a fairly widespread temperature crust on east, south and west aspects up to 2,000 m.
Cornices were one of the main concerns of the week and this was reinforced by a size 2.5 that we remotely triggered in the Blackcomb backcountry.
Despite significant amounts of precip and wind transport, stability was fair to good throughout the week with very little avalanche activity and although storm snow was a 'concern' it was generally bonding well to old surfaces with stability tests producing moderate to hard resistant results.
Earlier in the week, isothermal conditions were encountered below 1400m and did not inspire confidence on open or exposed slopes. By week's end, ski quality on north aspects was excellent above 1500m. .
Ski crampons were essential on southerly aspects earlier in the week and ski pen was up to 30-40 in the alpine and lee aspects..
Cover on glaciers was generally good with snow depth ranging from 250cm to 300cm +.
Sylvain Hebert
ACMG Ski Guide
