BackcountrySkiingCanada.com - Group: Touring Locations

skifreak on Whitewater Ski Porn

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:22:03 -0400

A new video just released from Whitewater will get you salivating for the real stuff just around the corner - check it out and see what's in store for this year [and if you are in the video?]

skifreak on Cathedral Mountain Video

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:33:27 -0400

Cathedral Mountain is located in the northern end of the Cascade volcanic belt about 150 km from Vancouver and looks to be a pretty nice place to spend a sunny June day earning your turns:

skifreak on Skier Injured on Mt Brennan

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:32:54 -0400

On Saturday June 12th,the Kaslo RCMP were called to assist an injured skier on Mt. Brennan near Retallak. A 59 year old man from the Kaslo area was skiing when a section of snow gave way causing the man to be pushed into some large rocks. As a result of the injuries suffered, the man was unable to make his way off the mountain. Other members of the group placed a call for assistance. Members from the Kaslo and Nelson Search and Rescue attended the area and assisted the man. He was removed from the mountain by helicopter and transported to hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

admin on Last ski tour of the season - June 26th

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:36:41 -0400

The forecast looked good for the day so we prepared for our annual last ski tour of the season at an undisclosed location (sorry this private stash is just too good to reveal). We hit the trail head at 8:30 and by noon we were atop the summit at around 9,000' enjoying lunch. The snow had gone slightly isothermic so we knew the turns would not be the best but it was more about skiing and riding in late June than anything else and capping off the season with one last hurrah. We managed to ski just over 2000' until the snow got patchy and we had to give up the boards.

Due to the light snow pack of the season we did not manage to get in the full 4000' decent - we were hoping that the cold spring would have helped the snow but this late in the month we were lucky to get what we did.

This annual trip never disappoints and we will surely do it again next June and the one after that - and so on, and so on,...

snosnob on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Coastal Mountains

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:08:37 -0400

Cool and unsettled weather continues to linger over the South Coast. Generally light precip amounts, which has been falling in the form of snow on the higher peaks.

SOUTH COAST
Numerous breaks in the weather last week enabled some trips into alpine areas. In the Joffre area, the conditions varied from punching through rotten snow around treeline to good steps in fresh dry snow on higher elevations

Early morning crusts would last into mid morning at low elevations and all day on higher N aspects. The skiing is good as well, smooth surfaces and glaciers are nicely filled in.

CENTRAL AND NORTH COAST;
These areas have been a drier than the South Coast areas. The high elevation areas and the glaciated terrain is slow to transform into summer. The glaciers have good coverage left over from winter.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK
The weather will dictate the mountain conditions this weekend. Although the continuing cool and damp weather is preserving the snow higher up, the sun is very powerful when it comes out. The sun would contribute to triggering rock falls, wet avalanches, glide crack avalanches, cornice falls and weaken the bridges over crevasses.

The daylight hours are about as long as they get, If there is a clear night then the early morning traveling conditions will be as good as they can get too!

Good thing is with all the cool weather the mosquitoes aren't out. Maybe it's be a good time for rock climbing on the dry side of the range,.. Pavilion, Copper mountain, (Terrace), Bella Coola Valley, or the old standby's Washington Pass, Leavenworth, Penticton.

Paul Berntsen
ACMG Mtn Guide

moINFO

snosnob on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report - Rockies and Columbia Mountains

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:07:16 -0400

It has been another cool and wet week along the East Slope of the Rockies and a little nicer along the Continental Divide and in the Columbias. It is presently cool, calm and low overcast in Canmore, O'Hara and the Bugaboos but sunny in Revelstoke!

Information from the Bugaboos is that you could walk on dry ground almost to the hut but then it would be ski touring without skis:) Snow fell to about the bottom of the Snowpatch overnight but Crescent towers would be good to go when the sun hit it. The hut is not officially open and the bridges aren't in yet. Mt. Revelstoke park has seasonal snow still on the ground at 1600m. Steep south facing terrain in the Columbias is dry in most places to around treeline.

Along the divide in the Rockies it is still wintry above 2400m and there is still lots of snow in the trees in places as low as 2000m. Climbing Mt. Schaeffer yesterday at O'Hara, the North Ridge had as much snow as I have ever seen on it. Some cool climbing on snow aretes where you are usually walking added a nice spice to the route. Cornices along the ridge were big, fat and wet looking-SCARY.

Several days of cool temps after last weekends heat wave mean there are some appealing looking ice dribbles here and there in the alpine. This weekend could be a good time for some well planned and well timed exploration into the alpine. If it cooled down and you were moving fast it could be good. I would be very cautious about any mixed alpine faces but some ridges may offer wintry climbing without wintry temps.

One observation from the Columbia Icefields was that the snowpack was still layered in the upper 50 cms and there is still potential for slab avalanches in the alpine there with daytime heating or big rain events. There is certainly lots of snow everywhere above 2500m and there is still a cycle of intense rockfall, cornice fall and wet slides to come if and when it warms up.

Melting above 2500m has been slow but there is still that spring hazard of snow over running creeks in the big talus and scree slopes. Do not fall into one of those nightmares. Talus slopes at treeline and above are also nasty as this snow rarely freezes solid and it is a good place to REALLY bang up you legs. Rivers and creeks are coming up.

If the monsoon ends east slope rock climbing and scrambling will get good quickly. Glacier travel will be good with a freeze.

Larry Stanier
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

moINFO

skifreak on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Rockies and Columbia Mountains

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:42:20 -0400

A week of generally wet and unsettled weather has left the Rocky and Interior mountains in a bit of a soggy state. Last weekend’s nasty upslope storm coated the eastern slopes in snow, and then the mid-week rains soaked the western areas, leaving 10-15 cm of snow right down to treeline. Rivers are rising as we hit June, and the real spring melt and runoff should be going full bore anytime now. Just need to add some heat.

Good conditions for alpine climbing or high elevation glacier skiing require a freeze, which typically means a cold and clear night. Clouds and rain prevent the snowpack from freezing, and in areas with less than 1 meter of snow - expect some wet post holing. This is probably the case near glacier toes right now, so start to be on the watch for hidden crevasses in these areas where the snow is shallow and wet. A deep and more supportive snowpack remains above 2800 m, and if you happen to be lucky enough to catch a good freeze . . . conditions could be awesome.

The eastern regions (Yamnuska, Ghost River) got coated in snow last weekend right down to treeline. Although its melting slowly, and the sun exposed cliffs are clear - expect snow to linger in shady areas and on backside descents. The cliffs themselves have lots of wet streaks, so pick a sunny day and stick to routes on open faces - rather then chimneys and gullies that are bound to have water running down them.

Low elevation sport climbing will be good if it ever gets warm, and both Saturday and Sunday look to pretty good. Temperatures should be about the same in BC and in Alberta this weekend. Just keep an eye on the water levels when you’re in a canyon - flash flooding is common this time of year. Keep your gear on the high ground, and expect wet feet when boulder hopping home.

The forecast remains unsettled for Friday, when a brief clearing should give a bit of sun for the weekend with highs of 14 degrees - not awesome, but considering the recent few weeks - an improvement. Following that it looks like more poor weather on the way for early next week.

So, its June and the mountains are going to shed alot of material this month: winter snowpack, cornices, rocks, and high water. Keep a close eye on the forecast, time your missions to catch the good conditions and bail when things get sloppy.

Grant Statham
ACMG Mountain Guide

MOinfo

skifreak on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Coastal Mountains

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:40:50 -0400

Cool wet weather predominated this past week. With the longer days snowpack is consolidating, and foot travel should improve in alpine areas.

CENTRAL COAST;
This area received less moisture than the South Coast.

SOUTH COAST AND N. CASCADES;
The east side of the ranges have seen the snowline retreat to around treeline. The west side still has a snow to below treeline. Despite the past week being unsettled there has been reports of both successful rock climbing and alpine climbing trips. The snow conditions are improving, although cornices are remain a threat, as do glide cracks and bergshrunds.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK;
The weather forecast is looking better than it has for past couple of weeks. At this time it looks like there may be some convective clouds lingering in the mountains, but a much better outlook than in the past weeks!

Paul Berntsen
ACMG Mountain Guide

MOinfo

skifreak on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report for Rockies and Columbia Mountains

Thu, 27 May 2010 21:07:41 -0400

Weather conditions across the Interior and Rocky Mountain regions were generally unsettled over the past week, with scattered amounts of light snow and cool temperatures dominating the higher elevations. The weather is deteriorating significantly right now (Thursday evening), as a strong upslope storm moves into the eastern side of the mountains. Expect up to 20 cm of snow at higher elevations in Banff Park for the start of the weekend, and Kananaskis Country will probably see the same. Areas to the north and west will be better, although not awesome. However, valley bottom highs of 15-20 degrees are expected in the BC Interior near Golden and Revelstoke – so warmer and less precipitation there.

Expect winter conditions in all alpine areas this weekend with the new snow in the forecast. The old snowpack is well settled with no significant instabilities, but watch the bond of this new snow to old, where it’s likely that small windslabs will develop in isolated areas (gullies, behind ridge crests, etc). The snowpack remains deep at higher elevations, and melt freeze conditions are key to fast travel. Several reports this past week indicated excellent travel on foot on frozen crusts.

Ice climbing might still be found by keeners in alpine, north facing areas. Slipstream looks to be huge and blue; probably climbable for a few weeks to come should the weather cooperate.

Reports of good travel on trails and dry rock at lower elevations will change this weekend with the new snow, but crags on the western side of the ranges should be ok. Longer rock routes on the bigger cliffs like Yamnuska or Castle Mountain need a sunny aspect, realizing that shady areas and descent gullies are probably still packed with snow and ice. Peaks like Mt. Louis are still have significant snow on them, and trails near treeline are melting and muddy.

Considering all of this, and the forecast – looks like a weekend for low elevation, non-technical stuff. Let the bad weather pass and then plan on some sun exposed rock climbing, muddy hiking or high elevation powder skiing for Sunday. The weather looks to be improving daily over the coming week, with highs reaching 20 by mid week.

Grant Statham
ACMG Mountain Guide

MOinfo

skifreak on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Coastal Mountains

Thu, 27 May 2010 21:06:28 -0400

The coastal mountains are under the influence of cool and unsettled weather.

NORTH COAST; Limited observations from the North Coast report about 70% of normal spring snowpack. This is resulting in less bridging over the crevasses than one would find in a "normal" year. Avalanche observations have reported nothing unusual, or significant to report.

CENTRAL COAST; The higher alpine areas received some snow in the past week. Storm snow amounts vary, with up to 60cm reported in some areas. The weather in general appears to be drier in central coast than the southern areas.

SOUTH COAST AND NORTH CASCADES
The weather in the past week was dominated by pulses of moisture with short dry breaks between sytems. In alpine areas, the moisture fell as snow from time to time. The snowpack has consolidated and has been pretty good for travelling in North cascades / Washington Pass area. The skiing is good smooth spring skiing above 5000ft, and the boot penetration is minimal, with proper boots and an ice axe, you could make approaches to South aspect alpine rock.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK;
Unfortunately, the weather seems to be changing to "upslope" conditions, in other words, the east side of the range is getting moisture and isn't as dry as it usually is.

As I am writing this, we are camped at Frenchmans's Coulee. There were some rain showers yesterday, but the rock is dry, and the temperature is perfect, a T shirt and a sweater was all you needed.

Good Luck, and be flexible with plans!

Paul Bernsten
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

MOinfo

skifreak on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report: Coastal Mnts

Thu, 20 May 2010 22:18:25 -0400

The weather has been unsettled along the coast this week, However, a definite cooling trend today, with convective rain showers in the valleys and snow flurries at tree line.
The weekend forecast is for a drying trend, and the possibility of clear skies.

NORTH CASCADES / SOUTH COAST RANGE;
A usual, the snowpack is drying up faster on the east side of this range than the west side. Soon, access to alpine areas for climbing will be a option. If stable weather conditions prevail then some alpine routes will worth considering, (paying attention to sagging cornices and avalanches from midday warming of the snowpack.)

The spring skiing options will also be available for the coming days. good coverage on northern alpine and sub-alpine aspects. Glaciers also have good coverage, but crevasse bridges can deteriorate quickly with daytime warming. The spring avalanches and falling cornice chunks are also common this time of the year.

CENTRAL COAST;
The ski touring season is still going strong, several groups are in the Waddington / Homathco region and 2 groups are waiting to fly in from Bluff lake in the next days. The snowline has retreated up to 900m in many West side valley bottoms, and even higher on the East side. The Nusatsum Forest Road leading towards the Monarch Icefield is now open to Odegard Falls.
many rivers are starting to rise, and turning cloudy this week. Today a dusting of fresh snow was reported around treeline

WEEKEND OUTLOOK;
The weekend looks pretty good, but the mountains may have lingering clouds, which will greatly effect the snow conditions. It might be a good idea to be flexible, and choose an objective closer to the weekend, when the weather prediction is more accurate!

Paul Berntsen
Mountain Guide

moinfo

skifreak on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:42:49 -0400

ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 20th, 2010

It has been a warm and wet week in the mountains. Not much overnight freezing up until the evening of the 19th.
Rainfall amounts were quite variable across the ranges but it rained hard most places at some point.
Scattered reports showed a cooling last night. In the Rockies at present(5pm) it is raining off and on up to treeline close to the divide and estimates are of 5-10 cm. recent snow above that. At some point this afternoon it was snowing lightly at Rogers Pass but not sticking to the ground.

The excellent snow and ice climbing conditions of late last week are a warm, wet mess right now. This could heal quickly with a good overnight freeze. It would be worth having a poke at the snowpack with an avalanche probe to see how solid the freeze is. I am guessing the snowpack is presently weak and wet to the ground in most places. If I am out this weekend on steep snow I sure want to know if I am walking on a thin crust over the mush or a full depth layer of "concrete". Glacier travel conditions are also totally temperature dependent. coverage is still pretty good but those thinner low elevation snow-bridges will be especially nasty when it is warm.

Glacier Park Avalanche Control Section staff talked about a few big wet slab avalanche and big cornice falls during the warm rains. Lots of the big alpine rock routes in the Rogers Pass corridor are best climbed before the snow disappears at low elevations. However, it seems wise to wait till things have cooled or at least until this warm wet avalanche cycle is over. The alders will be buried for awhile yet.

It seems Banff and Jasper were cooler and they have seen very little recent avalanche activity. There was certainly a big cycle of wet avalanches and melting snow along the east slope of the rockies between the sun and rain effect in the past 3 days.

East slope rock climbing conditions have improved in the wet and heat. Chinamen's pk East and North faces looks mostly dry. The snow is mostly gone above East End of Mt. Rundle except for a few big drifts. I would hold off on climbing on that face till all the snow is gone and all that choss above the cliff gets to dry out and stop moving around a bit. Closer to the Rockies divide you are probably going to run into snow heading up most valleys towards objectives like Louis, Edith, Castle.

Weekend looks like it may be warm and sunny. You know the deal-start early for the snow, keep your head out from under the melting, dripping rock faces and watch out for the fresh crop of holds that were fractured in the winters MANY melt-freeze cycles. The rivers are coming up and yeah, they are still cold.

Larry Stanier
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide

moinfo

skifreak on Mt Robson, Greg Hill - VIDEO

Wed, 19 May 2010 11:19:49 -0400

Greg Hill's very quick three day in and out. Bike, hike and skin our ways to Resplendent's summit and then an attempt of the North face of Mt-Robson, The Rockies highest.

powder on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report - Coastal Mountains

Thu, 13 May 2010 20:35:10 -0400

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Coastal Mountains issued May 13The week started cool with convective showers along the coastal areas, then becoming warmer and more stable as the end of the week approaches.

CENTRAL COAST;
Earlier this week there was substantial cold storm snow remaining on steep North aspects above 2100m (7000ft), with supportive (morning) melt-freeze crusts on all other aspects.
The rivers are not running high yet, but that is likely to start changing with the warm weather today. 24 degrees Celsius in Bluff Lake.
Today I heard of a successful ascent of MT Asperity from the Rainy Knob base camp. All in all the weather sounds favorable for mountain trips at this time.

S COAST AND N CASCADES;
Skiing is good with a variety of spring conditions. In the Coquihalla area today, the smooth Melt-freeze crust held up until late morning, then deteriorated as the surface turned wet. Steep smooth alpine features are forming glide cracks and some wet slides in steep terrain have ran to ground.

WEEKEND OUTLOOK;
The weather along the west side of the coast range is supposed to change with showers from a weak system starting on Sunday. It seems like the east side of the range may fare better, with drier conditions.

Report written by: Paul Berntsen
Mtn Guide

powder on ACMG Mountain Conditions Report - Rockies

Thu, 13 May 2010 20:33:42 -0400

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 13, 2010

We are having one of those terrific springs where you can have excellent ski touring and rock climbing on the same day. Forecasts are stable for a few days so take advantage of it.

In the Rockies, excellent skiing conditions can be found along the Banff Jasper Highway in the Rockies. Very early starts are in order with a planned return well before noon. Timing will be critical if you want to enjoy good corn snow instead of some skeleton rattling and if you want to avoid high avalanche hazard. Cornices are starting to cleave and this is the time of year where, once they fail, can either trigger deep slabs or carry enough mass to run a long ways-or both. Again, timing and aspect are the key. Access to the Wapta Icefields across Bow Lake is still good in the early morning but not a very good idea later in the day. Exits down from Scott Duncan will likely be rugged and require a significant amount of hiking. A number of people have reported excellent travelling on the Columbia Icefields with near perfect conditions for ascents of Mt. Columbia. Again, timing will be important especially when exiting down the Athabasca glacier through the crevasse cruxes. Some of the bigger lines for the Rockies are getting skied with excellent conditions. Today on the north face of Mt. Stanley a party reported good skiing with 20 to 40 cm of powder well bonded to a supportive crust. The best skiing was on the steeper terrain above 45 degrees facing due north.

Most of the waterfall ice routes are sun-bleached and finished. On north aspects, in the very early part of the day, if you hate rock climbing, there may still be some worthwhile routes. Front range crags are drying out and routes on Yamnuska will come back into shape with this dry sunny spell. It is still snowy getting to the Back of the Lake but a number of the routes there are climbable. In Jasper Park, rock routes east of town are likely coming into descent shape.

In the Selkirks at Rogers Pass, excellent spring skiing can also be found. On the Illecillewaet and Asulkan side great corn skiing has been reported by guides and there is snow down to the highway. Make sure your day ends early or you will be facing high avalanche hazard and very tedious travelling. Skiing on the Hermit side is essentially finished with the the lower avalanche paths and slopes melted out. There have been no reports on the alpine rock routes on Mt. MacDonald yet but we are getting close to the time of the time of year where the rock dries off and the access and descents, while still snow covered, make these routes possible.

Reprot written by: Marc Ledwidge
ACMG/UIAGM Mountain Guide