Whistler Pemberton

[RGM]

First ride of the season today. Went up Rutherford to check things out. Waist deep at the Cabin, still not enough in the Alpine to ride safely but it won't be long

[RGM]

Yes record snowfall for Nov! Was up the Hurley today, only a handfull of other sledders. Waist to chest deep light pow. Played in the meadows all day and rode untracked powder!

[RGM]

+ YouTube Video

[SHREK1]

awesome vid

[pancake]

Totally Awesome!!

[RGM]

A couple of sled triggered avy's today on the Icecap. Be careful out there watch for wind load slopes and stay away from cornices.

[RGM]

Was up the Hurley today. Unloading at 13K. Next 3-4K are pretty much down to the ice layer so will be moving up soon. High winds up top blowing snow around. Avy activity has drop but there still a big potential to trigger one. There is a Special advisory out for tommorow and the next few days


Dear Collaborators,
We are sorry for the late notice. For the second weekend in a row the Canadian Avalanche Centre is considering a Special Public Avalanche Warning for the period of Friday, February 26 to Monday, March 1. Areas affected are the the Columbia Mountains, the North Rockies, the North and South Coast Ranges and the Kootenay Boundary.

This warning affects public recreation in uncontrolled backcountry areas only.

SPAW February 26, 2010



What’s the problem?


Incremental loading will further stress slopes, especially since new snow won't accumulate in large enough amount to give a cleanout of avalanche slopes.
There is pent up powder demand owing to the February drought
The lack of natural avalanche activity. This may give the false impression that the snowpack is stable. Public warnings and bulletin messaging may be the only indication that recreational users have that conditions are ripe for triggering avalanches


Where is the problem most pronounced?


Currently, human triggered avalanche activity has been reported from alpine and treeline areas. This is expected to continue to be the case.
Avalanches may be expected particularly on northerly aspects. We are investigating the distribution of avalanches and will incorporate our findings into public messaging.
The Columbia Mountains, the North and South Rocky Mountains and parts of the Coast range. Exact area to be determined.



How to manage risk:


Check the CAC forecasts at Welcome to avalanche.ca for the most current and up to date information to help you plan your trip.
Conservative routefinding and slope selection. Increase your margins of safety even if you do not observe any avalanche activity.
Detailed observations of clues related to avalanche activity, knowledge of slope history, snowpack stratigraphy and where avalanches have already occurred may allow you to travel in avalanche terrain, however, without assessing all of these elements you need to stick to low angle terrain.



Travel Recommendations:


Stick to flat terrain not threatened from above
One at a time when crossing avalanche paths. Do not go to help someone who is stuck on the slope
Regroup/stop/observe in heavy timber or in obvious non-avalanche terrain. Give a berth of equal distance to the height of a slope between you and the bottom of an avalanche slope; for example: if a slope is 100m long, leave 100m between you and the bottom of the slope. Boondocking in very low angle terrain with no large open slopes above.
Highmarking is not recommended.


Your feedback on this action is welcome as always.

Best Regards,

John Kelly,
Operations Manager,
Canadian Avalanche Centre,
Revelstoke, BC
__________________

[RGM]

Was up Headquarters today great conditions except for the viz. Saw a burning sled 5K from the trailhead. Not much left when we got there the Lady who left the parking brake on didn't look to happy. Remember guys when you ride with the ladies you need to tell them stuff

[RGM]

Rode to Bralorne today. East Hurley is groomed and is in good shape, thanks Bruce. Last hill to the pub is all gravel so we parked at the bridge and walked up. Make sure you drop some bills into the grooming donation box at the Pub. With a deck and good tires you could probably drive to 14K or higher to unload. Freezing level was pretty high at just below treeline. Pretty heavy snot up high. Looks likes some sun in the forecast next couple of days. No new avys but that surface hoar layer is still weak. See you guys out there