Basic javamap of the main peaks of the area and the Northern Selkirks from bivouac.com (Hut is close to Sentinel)
FAIRY MEADOWS - March 17th to March 31st, 2007
Northern Selkirks
Useful links:
Shared Group Gear
Lee will bring the following
March 17th to 24th - Hink group
Eric Hink general email of March 10, 2006
Fairy Meadows Group Email 2007
Much to read, much to do . . . sorry for the repeat info for you FM veterans
Enjoy with your favorite cocktail:
Attached also to this email is a copy of the formal Fairy Meadows instructions and information in case you need some bedside reading. We summarize the key points here.
OUR GROUP: We have 13 spots, with ONE spot AVAILABLE still. If anyone has a friend, give them our phone # or email (xxxxxxxxxxxx or yyyyyyyyyyyyyyy or xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) and have them contact us soon. The other 7 spots are going to Canadians – 4 women, 3 men. They will not be sharing food with us, and sound like a fun group of folks.
WHERE/WHEN:
We will be meeting at the parking lot near the Heather Mountain Lodge (Golden
Alpine Holiday) 50 kms west of Golden at 11:15 AM with our shit packed and ready
to fly. There will be a nice “don’t touch the pretty helicopter”
talk and we will lounge around waiting for our rides which take off at noon.
There is a possibility of bad weather in which case we wait until it clears.
Hopefully for not long but it could be a day or 2. Similarly we may get stuck
1 or 2 extra days back at the hut. Ouch. Most people fly in Friday afternoon.
We confirmed that Calgary time is the same as Golden time is the same as Mountain Std Time.
If anyone misses the flight they charge $1200 to run an extra flight in so try to get there eh.
Golden – Last year we all stayed Friday night at a Motel downtown Golden called The Rondo. They have double rooms with 2 queens, single rooms with one queen, and nicely they are all grouped together and are curbside. Feel free to reserve the following rooms if you like: #31, 32, 33 are all doubles and #34, 35, 36 are all singles. Rates are 55$ (Canadian) for singles, 65$ for doubles. Call 250-344-5295 for reservations and ask for the Hink Fairy Meadow group rate. It sounds like this will be a quiet place and is central to restaurants etc. (most other motels are right along the highway with loud semis all night).
TRANSPORTATION
We have reserved one minivan on hotwire.com for transport of all the food ($450
for 10 days). It sounds like everyone is flying in, so you may want to group
up and rent a few choice Geos. Cars will be parked for a week in the parking
lot off the highway where the helipad is.
WHAT TO BRING:
Extra Skis etc
We should have a few extra pairs of skis for major mechanical failure but it
is probably not worth the effort if everyone brings in a set of everything.
It’d be better to bring your own boots and share the toys. If you are
excited about bringing your extra skis email us so we have a feel for who is
bringing extras.
For all the gear whores here is a good list:
- SKIS/POLES/BOOTS/GLOVES/MONEY/PASS/WEED
- Probe/shovel/transceiver (extra bats) /skins/pack
- Small repair kit for your fancy bindings/boots/poles/skins (we will bring
some extra
tools – screwdrivers, leatherman, zip ties, duct tape)
- Zbag rated to –5 to –10 C (no need for thermarests)
- Appropriate ski attire
- Lounge clothes
- Nose hair trimmers and other personal items including environmentally friendly
soaps and scrubs for the sauna (bathe everyday if you like), sunscreen
- Flip-flops/crocs- Swim trunks/g-strings (10 person wet sauna)
- Small packable Towel
- Very small pillow if you need one
- Headlamp (and bats)
Always a good idea: earplugs, nalgenes, thermos, benadryl, scotch and ibuprofen
by the truckload, books, cards, porn (for those without SOs), lip balm
Other misc: GPS, altimeter, binoculars, camera, camcorder, motorolla walkie
talkies
Small (8 mil) glacier ropes and harnesses may be used
All of your crap piled together (including skis) shouldn’t weight more than 60-70 pounds and should be able to be packed tight for the flight in – I spoke with the heli pilot and they like us to pack stuff in smaller bags vs. big duffels or ski bags.
COCKTAILS:
This cannot be emphasized enough. We will order a few pony kegs (3 or 4) from
a local microbrewery. Canada is a cold, dark country. Last year we all brought
a few bottles of wine, a few bottles of liquor and had a great tequila night.
Bring whatever you like.
MUSAK:
Bring ipods with speakers (maybe a couple people?) with tons of extra batteries.
Anyone bringing their guitars or harmonicas?
COMMUNICATIONS:
We’ll rent a HFV radio for the week but the relay station is only open
during regular hours. As backup we need a sat phone.
TASHKIN has been nominated to bring his sat phone. PS – Rescue costs (including
copters) are free in BC (good job everybody signing up for the Alpine Club of
Canada)
FIRST AID:
Bring you own small crutches (Lunesta?) but does any one have a good first aid
kit? Kim Levin has been nominated to bring leftover med kit from her Africa
trip.
MAPS/GUIDES:
We’ll bring copies – we purchased the two best maps from ACC and
will make a handful of copies to share. We also purchased the Summits and Icefields
book that we’ll bring along.
FOOD:
Cost: Last year ~225$/person covered all of the food, booze, extra supplies
(gas, phone rental and miscellaneous crap required). Send us a check in the
next couple weeks or go hungry.
Rock, Kim and Trevor are manning the food run in Calgary and we’ll be sending out a finalized list of the food we are bringing. We will buy all the breakfasts, lunches, aps, dinners, desserts, non-etoh drinks but bring you own favorite snacks/bars etc. Last year people were well fed and hardly ever tapped into any ‘Powerbar’ type items, since there were much tastier sandwiches and fresh fruit. Please look over the final menu and email us with any comments or complaints!!!!
There will be 4 people each meal that will do the cookin’ and 4 others that do the cleanin’. Look for your name on the menu sheets each day and pull on an apron. Mix it up!
MISC: Shenanigans/games/wigs/twister mats are all welcome. The Canadian group is celebrating a 30th birthday and want us all to bring ski costumes.
MONIES:
We would like to settle up soon with everyone. We decided $225 per person for
the week for food. Please send us a check shortly so we have money to shop for
food, otherwise it will be RAMEN tid. Spreadsheet with your bill will follow
soon. If we have leftover money we will reimburse you.
Our address:
Hinks
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
IN SUMMARY:
Please email us:
- If you know anyone interested in the last spot.
- Any menu ideas or changes/comments in the next week so we can finalize things.
Especially if you want Tofu or have ANY Food allergies or restrictions. Let’s
make everyone happy with the food since we are buying it ourselves.
- If you have a first aid kit, sat phone
- If you are bringing more than one pair of skis/snowboard etc.
- Please send us checks for the food monies soon.
Food checklists
Fairy Meadows recent conditions reports
>From: Channin Liedtke <cliedtke@alpineclubofcanada.ca>
>Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2007 11:57:37 -0700
>
>Please find the updated Fairy Meadow Hut conditions report for the week
of
>February 24 - March 2. Thank you to Lathrop Strang and Matt Holstein for
>this nice report.
>
>Happy skiing!
>
>Channin
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>_________________________________________________________
>
>
>>>>>1. depth of snowpack at the hut
>>>>>
>We didn't measure the depth at the Hut. It was basically even with the
>west roof edge.
>
>>>>> 2. snow conditions - below treeline, at and above treeline
(non-
>>>>>glaciated), and on the glacier
>>>>>
>Basically stable snow pack. Less so in the trees.
>
>>>>>
>>>>> 3. crevasse coverage
>>>>>
>Great coverage. Huge snow bridges. Easy glacier navigation.
>
>>>>>
>>>>> 4. any avalanche activity observed
>>>>>
>Profiles early in the trip showed the buried s.h. from earlier in Feb.
>about 1 meter down. Couldn't get a clean shear with r.b. (jumped with a
>jagged break line). Another layer at 20 cm. took hard pull on a shovel
>test, not with a clean shear. Snow pack just got stronger and stronger as
>the week went on.
>The buried hoar layer in the trees didn't bond as well but was still
>bomber.
>Some small soft wind slabs at the end of the week (3"-4"). Transported
>snow from SW wind. Not well consolidated. Probably something to watch.
>
>>>>>
>>>>> 5. weather patterns while you were there (how much snow,
any
>>>>>significant wind events, temperatures, etc.)
>>>>>
>Generally unsettled with little snow (8" +/- total for the week), cold
>temps and some wind (SW), especially 2/3 and 3/3.
>
>>>>>
>>>>> 6. where you skied, peaks you bagged etc.
>>>>>
>Climbed every peak in sight, including Sir William, Pioneer, Pioneer Pass,
>Sentinel, and Unicol. Stayed away from Double Top as south exposure was
>not skiing well (sun crust). Skied steep gullies, including north face of
>Sentinel and an east facing shot down the ridge a bit, all continuous
>lines around Houdini Needles and east of there, 3 couloirs in the next
>cirque to the east, including the beautiful west facing gully ("Jackson
5
>couloir"). The tongue of the glacier (steep ice falls on the west edge
of
>the glacier). Trees were great as well.
>
>>>>>
>>>>> 7. anything the ACC or hut users might need to know about
the hut
>>>>>
>A pine martin provided some challenges. He got in the roof and was staring
>at us thru the plastic where the ceiling wood wasn't finished. We scabbed
>some wood up there to keep him out but I'm sure he will provide plenty of
>challenges/entertainment for future trips.
>
>>>>>
>>>>> 8. anything else you would like to add
>>>>>
>Fantastic trip!
>>>>planning trips or making decisions in the field.
>
>On Mar 2, 2007, at 2:11 PM, Channin Liedtke wrote:
>
>>Please find this week's Fairy Meadow Hut conditions report as submitted
>>by George Urban. Thank you for this very extensive report George! Also,
>>best wishes to the next group in to the hut. We will look forward to
>>hearing from you.
>>
>>Channin
>>
>>(1) Depth of snow pack at the hut
>>
>>We dug a detailed snow pit at the base of the practice slopes next to
the
>>hut and measured the snow depth at 390 cm.
>>
>>(2) Snow conditions
>>
>>In all locations ( tree line, above treeline and glacier ) we noted
good
>>progression of snow density in the top 60 cm of snow. At 60 cm there
was
>>a definite weak layer with a change in density and evidence of faceting.
>>The temperature gradient was 1.6 deg over the 140 cm that we measured.
>>The shovel compression test failed at 20 taps ( moderate ) at 30 cm
in a
>>progressive compression character. The Rutschblock test failed at a
level
>>3 in a sudden collapse at 60 cm on our second day, necessitating a poor
>>stability rating and relegating our skiing to the treed area below the
>>cabin. The snow stability improved daily and by day 4 we were having
>>resistant planar fractures at a Rutschblock level 5 at the 60 cm mark.
A
>>second weak layer was found at 100 cm with a change in snow density.
Snow
>>loading was a problem in the first 2 days with a total of 60 cm falling
>>during this time. We also had a report of 40 cm of snow having fallen
in
>>the 48 hours prior to our arrival. This loading was undoubtedly
>>responsible for the initial weak snow pack. Block testing above treeline
>>identified the same weak layers. As snow loading ceassed, snow stability
>>improved and by the end of our week we were skiing North to West facing
>>slopes with no natural or skier triggered avalanches.
>>
>>(3) Crevasse coverage was very good. A tour on the Granite glacier above
>>the Seracs to the Unicol and over to Mount Colossal showed the crevasses
>>to be well filled in. All tours on the Glaciers were roped during the
>>ascents using standard glacier precautions.
>>
>>(4) Avalanche activity was limited in spite of the poor snow stability
we
>>observed in our tests. A class 2 avalanche was observed following a
>>cornice fall to the West of Friendship col. There were two class 1 slides
>>of 10 meters size initiated by skiers on open North West facing slopes
in
>>the trees on day 2 and 3. No injuries occurred. No further avalanche
>>activity was observed during our stay.
>>
>>(5) A total of 60 cm fell during our week. The temperature in the first
3
>>days was between - 5 and - 8 Celsius. The latter half of the week saw
>>clearer skies and cooling to -15 C. Ther was no significant wind loading
>>during our stay.
>>
>>(6) Initially we skied the trees extensively and did not even venture
>>onto the practice slopes until the snow stability improved. We then
skied
>>to Freindship Col and climbed Sentinel Peak; Granite glacier to the
>>Unicol and skied the shoots off Mount Colossal; We also climbed the
ridge
>>to the North of the Houdini Needles and skied the line from the ridge
>>through the bowl to the base. The skiing was exceptional.
>>
>>(7) The Hut renovations are first class. The upstairs sleeping area
is
>>much more comfortable and can easily accommodate 20 people but be sure
to
>>bring ear plugs as there will always be some snoring in a group of 20.
>>The kitchen and dinning areas are comfortable and spacious. Our major
>>problem was a family of pine martins that invaded the hut and attacked
>>our food. We were able to close off the 2 entry points and have ,
>>hopefully , solved the problem but all hut users should be aware of
the
>>potential challenges posed by these Martins.
>>
>>The Propane tank was 25 % full which was the same level when we started.
>>One tank is empty and the last tank is full.
>>
>>Remember to check the level of the Outhouse bins and change these when
>>levels reach 6 in from the top. Directions are in the Outhouse.
>>
>>On Feb 27, 2007, at 9:08 AM, Channin Liedtke wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Please find an updated Fairy Meadow hut conditions report below
for the
>>>week of February 10-16, 2007.
>>>
>>>Snow Info.
>>>
>>>Average snowpack at treeline and at hut - 300cm
>>>Glaciers have excellent coverage.
>>>No reaction on February 4th surface hoar layer. Strong wind event
most
>>>likely broke down layer, but is possible to find it in sheltered
>>>treeline open features.
>>>Aprox 15cm through the first few days of the week.
>>>Slight 24hr clearing with minimal precip, allowing for some alpine
>>>trips.
>>>Aprox 30cm trough the end of the week accompanied with a nasty wind
>>>event with forecasted gusts up to 100km, mainly from the west.
>>>Since there was a significant amount of snow for transport, lee
slopes
>>>loaded rapidly, thus producing an avalanche cycle in the alpine.
No
>>>significant avalanches were observed at treeline and below.
>>>Temperatures were moderate throughout the week, colder temps, -12.0c
>>>low, early in the week, and warmer temps at the end of the week
-4.0c
>>>over night, -1.0c day time high.
>>>The strong wind cycle and loading will take some time to settle
out and
>>>bond to the old surfaces, but generally warmer temps will help this
>>>process.
>>>
>>>Skiing zones.
>>>
>>>Trees were heavily skied by previous group, all the way down the
valley,
>>>including the moraine feature close to Swan Creek. The trees were
also
>>>skied heavily by our group at the end of the week.
>>>Alpine trips included, Ironman/Unicorn Col, UniCol, Collosus/ Enterprise
>>>col, Toilet Bowl, Sentinel peak, Both sides of Pioneer Pass and
the
>>>Pioneer peak area, Extensive skiing in the Echo Glacier and Friendship
>>>Col zone.
>>>
>>>
>>>On Feb 16, 2007, at 5:03 PM, Channin Liedtke wrote:
>>>
>>>>There has been no report submitted for this week. Best wishes
for the
>>>>weekend and safe travels in the backcountry!
>>>>
>>>>Regards,
>>>>
>>>>Channin
>>>>
>>>>I write with a request from Golden Alpine Holidays with concern
to
>>>>parking. They simply ask that all Fairy Meadows Hut guests park
as
>>>>close together as possible and in one group. You will find the
report
>>>>sent earlier today below.
>>>>
>>>>Channin
>>>>
>>>>Please find an updated Fairy Meadow hut conditions report below
as
>>>>submitted by Ms. Martha Hunt for the week of January 27 to February
3,
>>>>2007. Thanks Martha! Also, I have included a task checklist
this week
>>>>that will help maintain the hut and minimize ongoing maintenance
>>>>requirements thus allowing all subsequent groups maximum enjoyment
from
>>>>their experience at this hut. Certainly these tasks are not
mandatory
>>>>but will be very helpful to the Alpine Club of Canada and the
hut users
>>>>that follow your party. Thank you as always for your support
of the
>>>>Alpine Cub of Canada.
>>>>
>>>>Fairy Meadows Hut Task Checklist
>>>>a) shovel the roof and paths using the plastic shovels that
are on site
>>>>-- please exercise extreme caution as the roof is slippery and
steep
>>>>and the snow unstable
>>>>b) use a lighter to light the mantels, not matches. Lighters
minimize
>>>>damage to the mantels whereas matches can easily damage mantels
>>>>d) use caution around the upstairs chimney casing as it can
become
>>>>exceptionally hot
>>>>e) occasionally open the windows to assist with upstairs ventilation
>>>>f) wand the area around the hut where snow load may fall
>>>>____________________________________________________________________
>>>>____________________________________________________________________
>>>>_________________________________________________________________
>>>>
>>>>1. depth of snowpack at the hut
>>>> >
>>>> > 275cm behind the hut, did not test Snow in other areas.
>>>> >
>>>> > 2. snow conditions - below treeeline, at and above treeline
>>>>(non-glaciated), and on the glacier
>>>> >
>>>> > Overall snow stability seemed very good on all aspects
and all
>>>>elevations. There is major wind effect on ALL aspects and all
>>>>elevations. There is a wind crust ranging from 1 - 8cm thick,
creating
>>>>extremely variable conditions on all aspects and elevations.
We
>>>>observed a buried crust 20cm down at elevations below 6,000
feet -
>>>>perhaps from Valley fog? It failed at lower elevations easy
- hard
>>>>(variable). South aspects above treeline were much shallower,
with
>>>>faceted snow under the wind crust - foot penetrations greater
than
>>>>65cm. All other aspects had consistent consolidated snow under
variable
>>>>crust. There was definitely some major faceting in shallow areas
above
>>>>treeline. Surface faceting was prevalent on all aspects by the
end of
>>>>the week.
>>>> >
>>>> 3. Crevasse coverage
>>>> >
>>>> > Excellent for this time of year
>>>> >
>>>> > 4. any avalanche activity observed
>>>> >
>>>> > Some small shallow wind pockets where the top crust slid
on a steep
>>>>slope <10m wide 5-10cm deep. There were several older cracks
observed
>>>>in convex rolls, just though the surface crust.
>>>> >
>>>> > 5. weather patterns while you were there (how much snow,
any
>>>>significant wind events, temperatures, etc.)
>>>> >
>>>> > We had High Pressure ALL week. Blue skies and wind above
tree line.
>>>>Valley fog most days. One partly cloudy day. Moderate temps
with one
>>>>cold single digit F day. Temps all freezing or below.
>>>> >
>>>> > 6. where you skied, peaks you bagged etc.
>>>> >
>>>> > Where didn't we ski? Conditions were stable enough to
attempt
>>>>whatever our legs could handle. We bagged Sentinel, Double Top,
Unicol,
>>>>Sir William, Pioneer Pass, SE Houdini Needle chute. We skied
all the
>>>>steep tree lines as well as the creamy Morraine snow.
>>>> >
>>>> > 7. anything the ACC or hut users might need to know about
the hut
>>>> >
>>>> > Be careful when shoveling the roof! We shoveled all the
building
>>>>roofs. We suggest that be a consistent job so snow does not
build up to
>>>>6 foot deep slabs.
>>>>
>>>> 8. anything else you would like to add
>>>>
>>>>Renovations are great! Loved the upstairs.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for a lovely and wonderful escape into the backcountry!
>>>>Lena Pozner, and Shelly Higgins Group.
>>>>On Feb 2, 2007, at 5:05 PM, Channin Liedtke wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>For the week of January 20-26, 2007 no report was submitted
for
>>>>>conditions at Fairy Meadows Hut. My apologies. We will look
forward to
>>>>>receiving the next group's report. I wish you the very best
for this
>>>>>weekend.
>>>>>
>>>>>Channin
>>>>
>>>>On Jan 26, 2007, at 9:38 AM, Channin Liedtke wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Please find an updated Fairy Meadow hut conditions report
below as
>>>>>submitted by Ms. Sara Adamson for the week of January 13-19,
2007.
>>>>>Thanks Sara!
>>>>>___________________________________________________________________
>>>>>___________________________________________________________________
>>>>>___________________________________________________________________
>>>>>
>>>>>>>>1. depth of snowpack at the hut
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Deep. We did not measure it as the group before us did.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 2. snow conditions - below treeline, at and
above treeline
>>>>>>>>(non-glaciated), and on the glacier
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Fantastic snow coverage. Only certain wind scoured ridges
lack
>>>>>>coverage. However, we did find pockets of sugary and
hollow snow on
>>>>>>steep rocky faces with a shallow snow pack.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 3. crevasse coverage
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The coverage looks to be above average, but crevasses
are still open
>>>>>>in the typical spots.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 4. any avalanche activity observed
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Very little. The only releases we had were on 1/19.
5-6 inches of
>>>>>>very light snow fell on surface hoar the previous evening.
The
>>>>>>releases did propagate pretty far but there had been
virtually no
>>>>>>wind and the snow had not consolidated. It was basically
slough at
>>>>>>that point, but could easily become a problem layer
with additional
>>>>>>wind or snow.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 5. weather patterns while you were there (how
much snow, any
>>>>>>>>significant wind events, temperatures, etc.)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>We were very lucky with a strong high pressure system.
We had very
>>>>>>cold temperatures and no significant wind or snow events.
As we were
>>>>>>leaving, 1/20, the winds were increasing and transported
the light
>>>>>>new snow very readily. This could change the snow pack.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 6. where you skied, peaks you bagged etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Besides crossing the Granite Glacier only once, we skied
pretty much
>>>>>>all available lines.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 7. anything the ACC or hut users might need
to know about the hut
>>>>>>>>-- please provide feedback on the recent renovations
and
>>>>>>>>suggestions in this section
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>The "china cap" on the top of the wood
stove pipe collapsed in
>>>>>>>approximately 4 inches of new snow. We climbed to
the roof and fixed
>>>>>>>the cap. subsequent groups should monitor it to
see if it is
>>>>>>>upright. Both outhouse barrels were changed on our
last day.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 8. anything else you would like to add
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>We hired a cook, and besides the stable snowpack
we encountered,
>>>>>>>this was probably the #1 key to the success of our
trip. The group
>>>>>>>coming in after us said they spent about the same
amount of money
>>>>>>>buying food for themselves. They wished they had
known it was so
>>>>>>>reasonable. We would encourage other groups to look
into hiring a
>>>>>>>cook.
>>>>>
>>>>>>From: Channin Liedtke <cliedtke@alpineclubofcanada.ca>
>>>>>>Date: January 19, 2007 12:11:31 PM MST (CA)
>>>>>>Subject: Fairy Meadow Winter Observations 2007: January
6-12, 2007
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Please find a report below concerning the Fairy Meadow
Hut area
>>>>>>conditions as submitted by Mr. William Harrower for
the dates of
>>>>>>January 6-12, 2007. Thank you very much for this extensive
report
>>>>>>William.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Also, most groups are aware that the Fairy Meadow Hut
has recently
>>>>>>experienced extensive work with regards to renovations
and
>>>>>>improvements. The Alpine Club of Canada welcomes feedback
on this
>>>>>>work at the hut. For all subsequent groups please see
section #7 of
>>>>>>this report. It is in this section that you have the
opportunity to
>>>>>>comment on these renovations and provide any suggestions
that you may
>>>>>>have.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>1. depth of snowpack at the hut
>>>>>>
>>>>>>We set up a weather station just south of the helipad
which should
>>>>>>not be influenced by the draft from the helicopter (although
there
>>>>>>was some influence). We measured snow depth as 295-300+
cm over the
>>>>>>length of the trip. A pit at 2100m (about the top of
the Practice
>>>>>>Slopes) dug almost directly east of the cabin recorded
a 320cm
>>>>>>snowpack on 08/01/07.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>2. snow conditions - below treeline, at and above treeline
(non-
>>>>>>glaciated), and on the glacier
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Snowpack, snowfall, and hazard conditions varied widely
during our
>>>>>>trip. The pack seems to be developing EXTREMELY well
for the N.
>>>>>>Columbia Mts. We dug to ground a number of times and
found a good
>>>>>>progression of density, crystal development, and temperature
>>>>>>throughout the snowpack. Our only major concern was
the depth and
>>>>>>rate of new snowfall. Presumably due to the rate of
snowfall.
>>>>>>'Stellars' were observed deep in the pack (150 +cm),
along with other
>>>>>>crystals, including 'graupel'. Graupel was observed
from the surface
>>>>>>to the deep pack, along with stellars. Presumably, these
crystals are
>>>>>>contributing to the instability of the upper/skier triggered
portion
>>>>>>of the snowpack. As the pack develops (with time and
depth) the
>>>>>>number of crystals that cause concern falls. But, since
the snow is
>>>>>>falling hard and long, snow crystal development is not
keeping up
>>>>>>with pressure and temperature developments in the pack,
and thus can
>>>>>>produce relatively dangerous instabilities. However,
we observed that
>>>>>>the bonding and cohesion of the skier influenced portion
or the
>>>>>>snowpack progressed/improved rapidly with the weather
patterns we
>>>>>>observed. As clear cold weather prevailed during the
end of our trip,
>>>>>>stability improved dramatically (almost hourly). Limited
hoarfrost
>>>>>>development was observed, despite cold temperatures
(probably due to
>>>>>>light winds?). Our only major concern was the development
of dense
>>>>>>windloaded layers within the pack on lee slopes. As
always, areas
>>>>>>with shallow packs are of concern. Numerous comments
were made about
>>>>>>the fast improvement and good development of the pack
- despite
>>>>>>problems with heavy snow. Caution is suggested on lee
slopes and with
>>>>>>heavy snow. If pits are dug, they would be most useful
on high,
>>>>>>leeward slopes that could have wind loading and/or shallow
(<1m)
>>>>>>packs with layers developing from loading or cold weather
events.
>>>>>>Again, although we did not observe the deep and inconsistent
>>>>>>instability of the CAA warning that suggested 'mountain
top to valley
>>>>>>bottom' slides during our trip, these may be possible
on steep,
>>>>>>shallow slopes. The 1-2m instability, recognized by
the INFO-EX
>>>>>>should be inconsistent as the pack develops and is presumably
the
>>>>>>result of fast, heavy snow. Again, care should be taken
regarding
>>>>>>the x-mass to new years high pressure system, high winds,
clear
>>>>>>skies, and its implications. This layer has been consistently
>>>>>>discussed on both the INFO-EX and the ACC updates and
is now buried
>>>>>>quite deep. Although we did not observe its effects
we were
>>>>>>concerned.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>3. crevasse coverage
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Excellent on moderate slopes, caution should be observed;
however,
>>>>>>coverage is similar to mid to late winter. Touring should
be GREAT.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>4. any avalanche activity observed
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Limited slides were observed. Spontaneous and cornice
triggers
>>>>>>slides, size 1+, were observed on a number of moderate
slopes of
>>>>>>various aspects. These generally were point releases
and thought to
>>>>>>occur as a result of heavy snowfall and/or windloading.
Additionally,
>>>>>>with large amounts of low density snow, falling for
progressive days,
>>>>>>we observed spontaneous and skier triggered slides ~Size
1 or above.
>>>>>>These occurred below treeline on NE slopes (we did not
ski other
>>>>>>slopes on these days and could not see others). We observed
30-40cm
>>>>>>spontaneous slap releases, following multiple days of
heavy snow
>>>>>>(20-40 cm in 24 hours), and there was some concern that
these slides
>>>>>>could 'step down' to 150+cm with skier triggers (the
layer the
>>>>>>INFO-EX was concerned about). Prior to this day, we
released skier
>>>>>>triggered 30-40cm slab ski cuts on convex and steep
slopes below tree
>>>>>>line. However, with the weather we experienced later
in the trip,
>>>>>>these slopes were assumed to stabilize (we did no tests
later in the
>>>>>>trip). We did not observe the 'peak to valley' problems
issued by the
>>>>>>CAA during this week, although we seemed to be in a
'pocket' of
>>>>>>weather that did not receive high winds of other areas
in the N.
>>>>>>Columbia. Heavy snows could produce these HUGE slides
in this area on
>>>>>>particular slopes with shallow packs? We observed the
upmost caution
>>>>>>on all ventures.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>5. weather patterns while you were there (how much snow,
any
>>>>>>significant wind events, temperatures, etc.)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>From 06/01/07 to 08/01/07 we observed moderate daily
snowfalls
>>>>>>ranging from 12cm to 40cm in 24 hours. Snow fell consitently.
Daily
>>>>>>highs ranged from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius and lows
ranged from -15
>>>>>>to -20 degrees Celsius at the hut. Skies were generally
overcast, but
>>>>>>with relatively high cloud and continuing snow and winds
gusting and
>>>>>>variable from the SE. From 09/01/07 to 13/01/07 clear
skies and cold
>>>>>>temperatures prevailed and winds were generally light,
although some
>>>>>>variable gusts occurred in the evening. Forecasts suggested
high
>>>>>>winds in the area; however, we did not experience this.
Daily
>>>>>>temperatures ranged from -30 to -15 degrees Celsius
(although we did
>>>>>>not keep accurate records at a single elevation during
this period,
>>>>>>and these temperature reflect both highs and lows).
We skied further
>>>>>>during this time and multiple, minor freezing and frost
bite injuries
>>>>>>were incurred, despite precautions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>6. where you skied, peaks you bagged etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>During the period from 06/01/07 to 08/01/07 we skied
'The Trees' to '
>>>>>>Outback' and above these areas. We skied these conservatively
due to
>>>>>>the stability of the pack and limited 'safe' skin tracks
(the track
>>>>>>up the ridge to the 'Practice Slopes' was not assumed
safe). As the
>>>>>>pack improved, multiple groups reached 'Friendship Col'
and touring
>>>>>>beyond this was more than possible; although cold temperatures
>>>>>>prohibited us from going further. Our groups were consistently
weary
>>>>>>of windloaded slopes and touring was restricted by temperature
and
>>>>>>short days.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>7. anything the ACC or hut users might need to know
about the hut --
>>>>>>please provide feedback on the recent renovations and
suggestions in
>>>>>>this section
>>>>>>
>>>>>>We observed 20% left in the first of 3 propane tanks
(75% is full and
>>>>>>2 tanks are full), this should last the season, but
this or next
>>>>>>weeks group will have to change the connection. We dug
them out. 4
>>>>>>full outhouse barrels and 2 3/4 full (sorry) were observed.
14 empty
>>>>>>barrels are left. We spent allot of time digging out
the wood shed,
>>>>>>outhouse, sauna, hut, and waterhole. We also 'wanded'
the track to
>>>>>>the waterhole, as the trail was difficult to follow
with the heavy
>>>>>>snows.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>8. anything else you would like to add
>>>>>>
>>>>>>THANK YOU!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Bill Harrower and group
>>>>>>On Jan 11, 2007, at 12:03 PM,
Channin Liedtke wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>With a group going in on January 13 it is now time
to send our first
>>>>>>>winter observations report from the Bill Putnam
/ Fairy Meadow Hut
>>>>>>>as submitted by Mr. Gregg Cronn. Please find the
report below.
>>>>>>>Gregg, thank you very much for this detailed report.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>To the group going in on the 13th, enjoy! We will
look forward to
>>>>>>>learning of the conditions from the group coming
out on the 13th
>>>>>>>too.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Cheers,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>This report was submitted on Tuesday, January
9, 2007
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Some useful information could include:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>1. depth of snowpack at the hut
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>We never did measure but I would guess around 3+
meters of snow
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 2. snow conditions - below treeline, at and above
treeline (non-
>>>>>>>glaciated), and on the glacier
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Below Treeline: Brilliant stable powder skiing.
Nothing
>>>>>>>moving--and I mean nothing.
>>>>>>>Above Treeline: Wind hammered snow early on turning
to dangerous
>>>>>>>windslab conditions near the end of the trip. Slabs
were cohesive
>>>>>>>and very reactive. Depth about 10 cm.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 3. crevasse coverage
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Excellent for this time of year
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 4. any avalanche activity observed
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Naturals down the big gulleys to the north of the
hut across the
>>>>>>>granite glacier.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 5. weather patterns while you were there (how much
snow, any
>>>>>>>significant wind events, temperatures, etc.)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Temps varied from -15 to -2. About 3-4 feet of snow
fell during the
>>>>>>>week. Three major wind events during the week.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 6. where you skied, peaks you bagged etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>First two days we took advantage of the stable snow
pack and climbed
>>>>>>>Collosal, Sentry and Pioneer. A group of three did
ski two of the
>>>>>>>Houdini Needles couliors. The rest of the week was
spent powder
>>>>>>>skiing in the trees to the east of the hut.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 7. anything the ACC or hut users might need to
know about the hut
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Keep windows upstairs open for ventilation at night.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 8. anything else you would like to add
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>The new rennovations were fantastic!!!!
Basic javamap of the main peaks of the area and the Northern Selkirks from bivouac.com
(Hut is close to Sentinel)
Mt Sir Sandford and the Adamants from Mt Rogers in the Rogers Group.