The ACMG Training and Assessment Program just wrapped up a ski touring training course based in Revelstoke and Rogers Pass that ran from Jan. 18-23.

Venues:
RMR backcountry - Montana Bowl area
Rogers Pass - Little Sifton Traverse, 8812 Bowl, Bruins Glacer, Lily Glacier, Sapphire Col, Asulkan Glacier, Lookout Col, Illecillewaet Glacier, Perly Rock, Bonney Glacier and Moraines.

Weather:
We had generally good weather with up to 10cm of snow early last week. The Jan. 19 wind event created widespread wind effect in the alpine and treeline. Since then a ridge of high pressure has brought mainly clear and cool conditions. The last couple of days in Rogers Pass we had lows of -20.

Avalanche Activity:
We saw evidence of a few windslabs up to size 2 after the Jan. 19 wind event in Rogers Pass, which were confined to isolated, steep alpine terrain features. We found isolated pockets of windslab up to size 1 in the ski terrain but a surprising lack of reactivity overall.

Snowpack:
Widespread SH growth in sheltered areas as well as widespread surface faceting which is breaking down the recent wind affect. The Jan. 10 interface is down approximately 50-70cm and has been unreactive. Generally well settled snowpack. Average HS at TL is well over 200cm and the coverage on the glaciers is good with over 3m probed in most locations.

Overall an excellent week of skiing in the Selkirks!

Geoff Osler
Jasmin Caton
Keith Reid