Ski Conditions

4 photos

Ski Conditions

I found great corn skiing on the NE Face of Mt Begbie this morning at 9:30am.

Travel conditions:
I walked up the Begbie trail in hiking boots to 1500m and I was able to skin from there. On the way back down I managed to ski to 1340m with a few dirt patches to cross. There was a weak freeze at 1400m, though not sinking in more than a couple of cm's. At tree-line and in the alpine there was a good freeze requiring ski crampons and boot crampons.

Avalanche problems:
There were no avalanche concerns early this morning, but I imagine loose wet and wet slabs will be a concern later when it warms up. It was already becoming isothermal in shallow rocky areas on the way down.

Glacier conditions:
A few sags were visible on the lower half of the Begbie Glacier. The bergschrund below the East Col is visible and open on the far climbers right. A faint bergschrund sag was visible in the centre of the slope from a distance, although it was subtle enough that I couldn't see where it was when I crossed it.

Cornice:
There is a large cornice on the summit of Mt Begbie overhanging the East Face. It looks like it's been trying to fall down the mountain for a while and is cracked.

The peaks in the Gold Range looked like they would have amazing corn with good timing.

Photos attached.

Alex Geary
ACMG Mountain Guide

On The Map

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.