Over the past few days we ski toured in the Boundary Ridge and Parker Ridge areas by the Columbia Icefields.

The snowpack height was variable, with 20-80cm. We found good ski quality on lee northeast and also on protected southwest facing slopes, at and above tree line (2400m to 1900m). No whumphing noted, but we stuck to lower angle supported terrain with no overhead hazard.

There is windslab over facets that has the potential for propagation, even in treed areas. We skied one at a time even in areas that we felt quite safe in, because the consequences of having more than one party member involved in an avalanche are much more serious than a single involvement. You not only have more people to search for, you also lose available on-site rescue resources.

The good news is that despite a low (normal) snowpack in the Rockies, there is good skiing to be had, in very nice touring temperatures.

Jordy Shepherd
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
www.PeakAlpine.com
Co-Host of the Delivering Adventure Podcast
www.DeliveringAdventure.com