Thin snowpack on the glaciers

A beautiful day for getting high in the Alpine. We skied mostly north facing slopes in low angled glaciated and moraine features on Hwy 93N.

The touchy state of avalanche conditions has been well described in the avalanche bulletins of the last few weeks.

The snow on the glaciers was, unsurprisingly, very thin. We measured 20-140 cm with the average being 80-90 cm. This is consistent with parks Canada and other guides traveling elsewhere on the Wapta where coverage ranges from bare ice to 140 cm. We brought and used a rope for travel.

While avalanche conditions and glacier coverage necessitate elevated caution and toning it down, there's still plenty of safe adventuring and exploring to be had, not to mention excellent skiing.

Tom Wolfe
Mountain Guide ACMG/IFMGA

688

6 

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.

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