(Based on observations up to Jan.31)
Terrain:
Traveled through a variety of terrain and snowpack areas including K-Country, Lake Louise, and KHMR backcountry, Observation Sub-peak, Mount Field, and Surprise Pass. The south ridge of Observation Sub-peak and Cirque peak were noticeably scoured and caution was needed while scrambling through thin snow and rock sections. The Sheol valley was also noticeably more rocky compared to past trips.

Avalanche Activity:
No new slab avalanches observed. Several dry loose avalanches to size 1 were observed from extreme/steep skiing terrain. One large cornice failure from Mt Thompson on 210130 early in the morning.

Snowpack:
5-15cm of storm snow overlies old surface facets and wind-affected surfaces. Previous weaknesses from mid-Dec and Jan exist in a well-settled mid-pack (for the Rockies) and remain dormant. Extensive faceting of the snowpack with high variability in depths across the range. 2+m probed on glaciers.

Avalanche Hazard Trend: The hazard trend has been stable through the week, but is anticipated to deteriorate with new snow, winds, and warming temps.

Hazards:
Variable surface conditions and snowpack depths were the primary hazards for the week as there were lots of only slightly hidden rocks waiting to be found!

Of note - There is an intermediate bolted chain anchor approx. 30m below the first chain anchor on the climber's right wall of the N couloir on Cirque peak. It is quite high on the wall and requires a few rock climbing moves to reach. It could use a chain extension if anyone is heading that way!

Marc Piché, Dan Madell, Rich Marshall, and the TAP touring course team.