Mt. Joffre

[skyclimb]

Anyone been into the Kananaskies backcountry lately, and if so how are the conditions. Specifically Mt. Joffre and Warrior Peak?

[Dru]

Kananaskis:

 

Backcountry Avalanche Report

Report valid: March 10, 2003 until further notice

This report is for backcountry terrain only. Skiing conditions for facility areas are not included in this report.

For current trail conditions please see our Trail Reports.

 

Avalanche danger scale

 

Alpine Considerable

 

Treeline Considerable

 

Below Treeline Moderate

 

Discussion: A strong southwesterly flow has been established and temperatures have moderated but with the warmth comes the wind. Extreme winds with gusts well in excess of

100 km/h along ridgetops are being observed. Intense wind transport of snow onto lee aspects is occurring. Cornice formation is enhanced with the wind and loose snow available for transport. Avalanche Danger on north and east aspects at and above treeline will trend towards HIGH as surface windslabs form. The storm snow from last week and the new slabs will add additional load to the weak base of depth hoar and facets that persists through the area. The November crust has deteriorated signifigantly over much of the area but it is still a factor to consider and full depth releases remain likely. In sheltered areas at and below treeline, buried surface hoar layers from January and February can be found and they remain reactive to tests. Only snow flurries are expected over the next few days but daytime temperatures may exceed the freezing level so watch for the influences of heating on sun exposed aspects. Give careful consideration to large slopes above that may threaten your intended travel routes.

 

 

 

 

Backcountry Travel Conditions: Good to excellent skiing can still be found on sheltered aspects. Travel conditions vary depending upon the presence of windloaded snow in upper elevation areas but below treeline travel conditions are still tough due to the weak base and the likelihood of full depth ski penetrations.

 

 

 

Important Notice:

Snowpack structure and stability information is determined from field analysis specific to snow study plot sites. Snowpack structure and stability will vary as you travel throughout mountainous terrain. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveller to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveller, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travellers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

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i heard moonlight is in fat again after melting out a while back though.