The ACMG Training and Assessment Program held a Ski Guide exam, April 3-11, in the South Coast region. High pressure set in for the duration and Spring Diurnal snowpack sustained for the week. We travelled in The Mystery Creek basin, Duffy area (Mt Matier, N Cayoosh, Tzil, Spetch and Slalok, with additional day routes accessed in the Blackcomb Backcountry.

Clear skies and warm temperatures helped shift to a spring diurnal snow pack early in the week. Above 1900m, N aspects held dry wind affected snow from SW winds. On all other aspects & elevations there was a daily transition from 5-10cm of temperature effected surfaces to moist grains throughout the day providing corn skiing. By mid week, those polar alpine slopes had more substantive wind effect. Valley bottom approaches are still holding snow but melting out quickly. Joffre Lakes trail is well used by skiers, hikers, snow shoers and is very firm : ski crampons, even boot crampons, are beneficial.

Widespread Wet Loose Natural avalanches were occurring in the early days of the trip on all aspects and elevations with the exception of high polar zones. By the end of the week, the Wet Loose problem had become less common. Past evidence of Natural Cornice falls were observed (not witnessed) with some resulting in avalanches to size 2.5. There are plenty of existing cornices still lurking with the potential to produce avalanches of consequence.

Was an unforgettable ski vacation!

Kate Bell, Phil Gibney, Matt McRae, Rich Marshall, Jonas Hoke, Brock Freathy