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FAIRY MEADOWS - March 17th to March 31st, 2007

Northern Selkirks

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Shared Group Gear

Lee and Sharon will bring the following

Tim Place

KBJ-

Susan

March 24 to 31 - Ridgley Group

Dinner Menus:

Sharon/Tim/Lee
For dinner #1 I'll make a Prime Rib Roast (10lbs - 1-2 hours to cook), with
Salad/Vegees

For dinner #2 I'll make a beef stew.

For 'cocktails' I'll bring some crackers and brie, maybe a couple bags of chips.

For desert we'll bring Nanaimo bars, brownies.

J/Susan:
Baked salmon, wild rice, veg
Chocolate pudding

B/Kate/Joel:
#1 Shepards Pie, with beef (one serving for Michael without)
#2 Pasta
Desserts: lukewarm on 'em

Pamela and Michael

#1 Dinner - - Appetizers - chips, salsa, gaucamole, margaritas -
Chicken/fish fajitas ( and tofu option) with the trimmings. Dessert - yes
but will be left to creative inspiration of the pre-trip moment.

#2 Dinner - - Appetizers unknown; awesome curried chicken with couscous ( we
can separate in time and flavor from the other proposed curry if ok with
all. Desert - TBA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Susan Ridgley" <xxxxxx>
To: yyyyyyy
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 1:59 PM
Subject: Trip Planning #3 - More about Food

(1) All responding parties were enthusiastic about pre-dinner
snacks/appetizers. So please plan on that.

(2) Clarification in the Libations department: Each person should bring
their own alcoholic supplies to satisfy their own tastes and thirst levels.
The pre-dinner "cocktails" are just something fun to add to that swinging,
apres-ski atmosphere (yabba dabba doo) -- typically the cooks supply just
enough for one drink for everyone (or maybe two if you're feeling generous
but certainly not necessary). For example, I like to make snow daiquiris,
which are easy to make in bulk. But you all should feel free to skip this
step if you're feeling overwhelmed.

> Hi all,
>
> I'm assuming many of us will be planning and shopping for food this weekend,
> so I wanted to get the following information out ASAP. 3 topics: dietary
> restrictions, dinner menus and breakfast
>
> DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
>
> -- There are no food allergies in the group. (I still have not heard back
> from Pam or Benet, so hopefully they don't have any.)
>
> -- Following are food preferences:
>
> No pork: Joel, Kate, Michael
> No beef: Michael
> No veal: Joel, Kate, Michael
> No lamb: Michael, Jeff
> No chicken: Kate
>
> DINNER MENUS
>
> T/L/S:
> #1 Prime Rib Roast, with Salad/Vegees (with maybe a veggie burger on
> the side for Michael?)
> #2 Beef stew (one serving for Michael w/o beef)
> Desserts: Nanaimo bars, brownies and/or cheese cake
>
> J/S:
> Baked salmon, wild rice, veg
> Chocolate pudding
>
> B/K/J:
> #1 Shepards Pie, with beef (one serving for Michael without)
> #2 Pasta with Tomatoe Sauce with Veg and Shrimp
> Desserts: lukewarm on 'em
>
> BREAKFASTS:
>
> Tim has proposed an alternate plan, which sounds remarkably like what I
> think Joel and Kate were previously proposing. Here's what he says:
>
> "From my experience, breakfast takes place sporadically from 6AM to 9 AM.
> There are many ways to spend a day at Fairy Meadows, and different folks are
> going to want to do different things on different days. Night snow flurries
> tend to linger into the morning and clear off before noon, at that time of
> year. Many folks prefer to hang out at the cabin until they have assured
> visibility for trips such as across the Granite Glacier. Others, eager to
> get to the night's powder before it turns to chowder in the sun, will want
> to leave at first light and skin through the morning fog to be at the top of
> their line as the clouds break. Still others will want to rest up from a
> long previous day
> and wait for the crowds to disperse from the downstairs before even getting
> out
> of bed.
>
> This staggering of the timings of breakfast groups works to everyone's
> advantage. The hut can seem crowded with 20 people at night. 20 people
> trying to eat breakfast, make lunch, gather the stuff they hung to dry, put
> on their boots and pack their packs in the same space in the morning is a
> stressful pandemonium. Any planning that can allow people access the
> downstairs area at different times in the morning makes it better for
> everyone.
>
> If this makes sense, then teams from our group can be expected to have
> breakfast at different times. I am sensitive to your desire to keep our
> stress on the other team's cook to a minimum. I would think that one or two
> people from each team cooking for the members of their team would work well.
> Would it make any difference if the two people from our half of the cabin
> are not the same two people at 6 AM and 9 AM? I would think not.
>
> Here is what I have seen work: The dawn patrol team chooses one person to
> cook their breakfasts using breakfast stuff brought by the folks involved.
> The others in that team light the stove, haul water, do other morning chores
> as needed, and pack their packs and set them out on the front porch. They
> eat, and the cook gets his or her pack together while the others do their
> dishes. They are out the door at about the time the next team is getting
> downstairs and the process repeats itself. The caterer has only one cook
> competing for space at any time, has the cabin warm and water available.
> She's happy. Everyone gets fed, but not necessarily the same thing. Nobody
> has to eat cold eggs. Nobody has to spend all morning in the cabin cooking
> for people getting up at different times, and we do not all have to be
> downstairs at the same time.
>
> If everyone brings enough breakfasty items to feed themselves for a week,
> then we will have the right amount of breakfast foodstuff available. It's
> kind of like everybody bringing their own breakfasts, except that you don't
> have to bring a bunch of different things for variety because the
> variety will come when you share what you brought for breakfast with what
> the folks you are having breakfast with brought.
>
> I will probably bring bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, jam, cottage
> cheese and a few potatoes. If I am having breakfast with Lee and Sharon, I
> will have some of the bacon and eggs that Sharon wants to cook, and they can
> have some bagels with cream cheese and salmon or jam, as they please. And
> maybe a scoop of cottage cheese. On a couple evenings I will slip a potato
> or two into the oven the evening before and then Sharon can slice some into
> the eggs and bacon for variety.
>
> If I go out with you and Jeff, you can have some bagel with whatever you
> like on it, and I can have a bite or two of whatever you brought. Plus we
> can all have a scoop of cottage cheese for extra protein.
>
> If groups know they will be preparing breakfasts together every morning,
> they can communicate amongst themselves and buy ingredients in bulk to
> simplify packaging and save a few dollars, but that isn't really necessary.
> When folks make their trip plans in the evening, part of the planning can
> include who is making breakfast, and what they can all contribute to that
> effort."
>
> I am fine with this idea, and I assume Kate and Joel are also. The only
> issue I see is that Michael and Pam get stuck with a heavier dinner burden
> (i.e. they have 2, Jeff and I only have to do one). Maybe we can balance it
> out by having Jeff help with one of your dinners, and Susan help with the
> other? Does anyone else have any concerns about this proposal? Speak now,
> or forever hold your peace!!!
>
> I hope to get to the GEAR email tomorrow (Sat).
>
> Susan

 

Fairy Meadows Snow Report From March 3-9th Group

Snowpack
Approximately 50 cm of storm snow, which fell later in the week, overlaid 5
cm thick wind slab/crust. Storm snow settled well with the warmer
temperatures. Wind slab earlier in the week was reactive to ski cuts on
immediate lee slopes, otherwise supportive. Temperature crust was present
on southerly aspects. Facets in shallow areas were not supportive to skis.
Feb 4th surface hoar produced no results in the trees and moraine.

Stability: A = G (limited observations), TL = G, BTL = G

Activity
Point releases picked up approximately 10 cm of surface snow on Wed from
warm temps (0 degrees) on all aspects, otherwise no activity.

What we skied
We were somewhat limited by visibility for most of the week, so the trees
were skied extensively. We did manage to get to Friendship Col, Sentinel
Peak, Pioneer Peak, Houdini Needles and onto the Granite Glacier. The
skiing was generally fantastic.

Hut
The pine martin that most groups have been dealing with made a few visits
upstairs during our stay. We blocked one entrance where the stove chimney
meets the roof, but that wasn't sufficient. We unscrewed the plywood below
the beds in the northern wing and cleaned out a fair bit of garbage
remaining from what the pine martin had been able to haul up from the
vestibule. We also had to remove snow that was accumulating against the
windows from having fallen from the roof. The wood pile under the front
deck hadn't been used before we arrived, as previous groups had apparently
been using the wood pile near the sauna, which was basically depleted when
we got there. We tunnelled through the snow to the pile under the front
deck, so future groups shouldn't have a problem accessing it.

Addendum
Only two of four flights were made at the end of our week before the
weather deteriorated, so 9 people from our group and 12 people from the
next group spent ~48 hours in the hut while we waited out a storm. Probably
another 50 cm of snow fell during this period, which was accompanied by
high winds Sunday night / Monday morning and some rain on Sunday night. As
a result there was an avalanche cycle on all aspects and at all elevations
visible from the hut.

Susan Ridgley email March 9, 2007

Hello all,

Well, we finally have full trip, so we can start planning. Welcome aboard to
everyone!!!! I am so excited to finally get to go to Fairy Meadow Hut, as
I'm sure you are too.

To start, your fellow hut-trip members names and home phone numbers are
(please correct as appropriate):

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (deleted)

OK, here we go:

First, I hope you have all had a chance to log on to the ACC website, go to
the Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) hut page, and download two important
documents: 2007 High Season Information, and Emergency Procedures. This
should answer many questions that you may have.

Second, as you know we need to be prepared to fly out on Sat. March 24th at
noon. The ACC folks recommend spending the night before in Golden, and we
have found that this is good advice. So... I would like to go ahead and
make reservations for 10 of us to stay at a hotel Friday night in Golden.
I have found a couple places, they are reasonably priced at $69 or $79 CD
per room. Please let me know ASAP if you have an objection or if you have
a request for lodging (i.e. want private room or want to share with "X")
Otherwise I'll go ahead and make reservation for 5 double rooms (which we
can, of course, cancel later if necessary). Please let me know no later
than Tuesday, if possible.

By the way, there will be no extra cost for the hotel room. It will be paid
for by our "extras" kitty, which comes from the fact that I collected $775US
from each of you (thanks!), but the actual cost is $775CD. I will use the
exchange difference to pay for such things as hotel rooms, breakfast on
Saturday morning, and various group supplies. You will be reimbursed if
there's anything left over after the trip.

Third, about driving. Benet, Joel and Kate will be flying into Calgary and
driving up together. I understand that Tim, Lee and Sharon plan to carpool
together from Vancouver. Michael and Pam, you two could join up as a
driving pair, by having Michael drive up to Olympia. Jeff and I can go
together (unless either Michael or Pam has a big van?)

In terms of food planning, my proposal is that the same driving groups also
be cooking groups. This will ease shopping issues for Benet, Joel and Kate
(B/J/K), and the Tim/Lee/Sharon (T/L/S) trio have also requested that they
be considered one cooking unit. Obviously, we'll try to figure out a system
to make the workload equitable even if the cooking units aren't.

Another food planning issue: breakfasts. B/J/K have proposed that they do
all the breakfasts. The basic concept is to simplify and streamline the
process of getting everyone fed and out the door in the morning. T/L/S have
said they may want to do breakfasts separately, but at this point maybe we
can just see what B/J/K proposes. B/J/K said they will email everyone with
details about the proposal, hopefully by Monday.

That's it for now. In future emails, we can discuss other topics, like
--assign # and type of meals to each cooking group
-- who will bring what group gear
-- assign other tasks that will need doing before we leave
-- decide how to divvy up cleaning and hut chores

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Cheers,
Susan

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.

 

 

 

 

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