+5 deg C at the parking lot at 04:00. -1 deg at 2800m at 05:30. Mixed
weather with some rain, low clouds and patchy stars at 04:00, with one
lightning flash over the Columbia Icefield, and a shooting star. Up the AA
Col with an easy 'schrund pass on the far climber's left (see photo). The
snow on the AA Glacier was a little punchy for travelling, but never more
than boot-top. The AA Col slope above the 'schrund was easy climbing with
good purchase under the crampons.
The rock on the East Ridge, above the AA Col, was snow and ice plastered
(see photos). At that point we were experiencing snowfall >1 cm per hour.
We descended from the top of the rock due to poor visibility and snowfall,
back down the AA Col.
At noon we left to return to Jasper. The weather did seem to be clearing,
but Athabasca and Andromeda were still cloud covered. With up to 10 cm of
new snow, expect rockfall when the sun hits the faces.
Jordy
(See attached file: Andromeda East Ridge Aug 12 #1.jpg)(See attached file:
AA Col Aug 12.jpg)(See attached file: Andromeda East Ridge Aug 12 #2.jpg)
Andromeda East Ridge Aug 12 #1.jpg
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AA Col Aug 12.jpg
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Andromeda East Ridge Aug 12 #2.jpg
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