[MCR] Lake Louise Backcountry

Thompson Rivers University's Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide training
program conducted an Apprentice Ski Guide Exam in the Lake Louise
region from March 24-31.
Trips could be divided into 3 regions: Bow Summit area (Observation
Sub Pk, Cirque Pk, Little Crowfoot, Mt Olive and Rhonda S), the Lake
Louise backcountry and the divide area West of Lake Louise (Popes
High col, Mt Field). These classic objectives are all in reasonable
travel and excellent ski condition.
Winter conditions persist with alpine high temperatures reaching -10.
Approximately 50cm of new snow fell with light to moderate southwest
winds and minimal solar impact.
The storm snow seems to be bonding well, except in steep rocky alpine
terrain. Our primary concerns were windslabs on North through East
aspects and two deep persistent layers, especially in the shallower
Eastern portion of the range.

TRU CMSG Candidates
c/o Matt Peter
_______________________________________________
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.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from this list.

[MCR] Highway 93 North and Maligne Road.

Jasper Park Visitor Safety will be conducting avalanche control work on Highway 93 North (Icefields Parkway) on Tuesday 1st April 2014.
The road will be closed between Saskatchewan Crossing and the Jasper North gate for the day.
No climbing or skiing in this area please.
The Maligne Road will also be closed for control work. Expected to re-open at mid-day on Wednesday 2nd April 2014.
Thanks for you co-operation.
 
Steve Blagbrough
Jasper Park Visitor Safety

[MCR] CORRECTION - Avalanche Control - Banff & Yoho

Parks Canada will be conducting avalanche control on Mt. Bosworth and Mt. Field in Yoho National Park and Mt. Bourgeau in Banff National Park on Monday, March 31st, NOT March 30th. Please no climbing or skiing in these areas tomorrow. 

We apologize for any confusion.

Thank you. 

Parks Canada Visitor Safety 
Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks 
www.parksmountainsafety.ca 
www.parcsecuritemontagne.ca 

[MCR] Avalanche Control - Banff and Yoho - March 30th, 2014

Parks Canada will be conducting avalanche control on Mt. Bosworth and Mt. Field in Yoho National Park and Mt. Bourgeau in Banff National Park on Monday, March 30th, 2014. Please no climbing or skiing in these areas tomorrow. Thank you. 

Parks Canada Visitor Safety 
Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks 
www.parksmountainsafety.ca 
www.parcsecuritemontagne.ca

[MCR] Highway 93N reopened

Highway 93N will be reopened. Poor travel conditions still exist.

Visitor Safety
Jasper National Park
_______________________________________________
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.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from this list.

[MCR] Jasper National Park Closures

As of 1300 Saturday March 29th, 2014 Highway 93N from Saskatchewan Crossing to Valley of 5 parking area near Jasper is closed for driving conditions, blowing snow and poor visibility. Opening is expected for 1400 Sunday March 30th, 2014 with low confidence. Expect further closures for avalanche control on Tuesday April 1, 2014 from 0600 to 1700.

Maligne Lake Road will remain closed. Parks Canada will be conducting avalanche control Sunday, March 30th, 2014. Expected opening 8pm with moderate confidence.

Call (780)852-3311 for latest road reports for updates.

Visitor Safety
Jasper National Park
_______________________________________________
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.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from this list.

[MCR] Wapta traverse

I spent 23-28 March (6 days) guiding the Wapta from Peyto to West Louise Lodge. At the beginning of the week travel was quick and easy with good ski conditions and stability.  The storm began on the evening of the 25th and by the time it finished about 48 hrs later there was 50-70 cm of storm snow.  Fortunately it fell with little wind and cool temperatures so remained low density fluff.  

During the storm visibility was poor so my observations were limited, however I saw very little natural activity.  Only a handful of releases in the storm snow on steep, unsupported features.  

Travel over the Balfour High Col was tedious due to 60+ cm ski penetration and somewhat tenuous visibility.  There are more open crevasses than in previous years.  I elected to use the more complex lower approach to give the heavily-loaded east face of Balfour as much space as possible.  No signs of recent serac fall, however they could have been buried under all the new snow.

It truly was the Walkta traverse as I had to walk in the white the entire way down the Vulture Glacier to the Balfour hut and again from the Balfour High Col to the Scott Duncan hut.  Too much new snow to glide, although my guests were able to mostly slide in my tracks. 

Should be good ski quality up there in the next few days once the new snow settles a bit and travel improves.  However, this may also create some slabs and wake up lower layers. 

--

Ken Bélanger

ACMG ASG, CAA Pro