Description

Objective:

The objective for the day is to have a fun, social, safe, day in the mountains suitable for beginner backcountry skiers or splitboarders. The emphasis will be on an easy social pace, helping new tourers learn, and having fun.

The plan is to meet in Coquitlam at 5:45 am, discuss conditions and the forecast, sort out carpooling and start driving at 6:00 am. We will take Falls Lake exit 221, park and regroup. It will likely take us 3 to 3 1/2 hrs to gain Zoa Ridge and Zoa Sub Peak. We’ll find a sheltered location for lunch and make an afternoon plan appropriate for the conditions and everyone’s energy levels. The goal is to return to the cars an hour before sunset: so by 3:30 pm. And return to our carpool location by 6 pm.

I haven’t been in the Coquihalla area since last weeks rain event but anticipate crust and firm conditions.

Skinning in firm conditions is an essential touring skill. There’s a bit of a knack to it and this would be a good opportunity to give it a try 🙂

Distance: 7 km to max of 11 km
Elevation gain: 600 m to max of 900 m

Requirements:

● AST1
● Shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver
● Ski/board gear, skins, ski helmet
● The 10 safety essentials
● Food, liquids, and warm clothing for a full day out.

Please answer the following questions in the “Message to Trip Organizer” box when you sign up:
● Do you tour on skis or splitboard?
● How much touring experience do you have?
● Avalanche training level?
● Can you drive and how many passengers can you take?

** Please only sign up if you are committed to going on this day. And if you cannot come please remember to cancel your registration on the website so someone else can go.

 

Possible Risks and Hazards:

General Hazards:
Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligent first aid. Negligence of the trip organizer, including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities.
Terrain:
Cornices and crevasses. Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps. Cliffs, creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Snowcat roads and road banks. Fences and other man-made structures. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control. Becoming lost or separated from the group. Slips, trips, and falls.
Avalanche:
Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.
Communication and Rescue:
Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.
Boots and Binding Systems:
Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.
Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.