Helm Creek and glacier

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Helm Creek and glacier

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
Terrible
Snow conditions were:
  • Crusty
  • Wind affected
We rode:
  • Alpine slopes
  • Mellow slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Cloudy
  • Cold

Comments

We for a walk around Helm Creek and Glacier Nov30/19. HS ~20 cm at Helm campground, and although very shallow, snow is stiff enough to support fast and easy travel over barely covered heather. Minor surface hoar observed in meadows around campground.

At Helm Gl, HS ~30-40 cm on top of glacial ice. Everything in the alpine is windslab and sastrugi, mostly supportive, again making for fast travel. A great day for touring for views and distance, but not for downhill-oriented skiing. Low-angle travel made for a fun day out where the objective was the views rather than the turns.