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Went to climb on Mt Hunter(Yoho
west) today after abandoning hopes for the Mt. Wilson area. Way too warm
everywhere we went. Temperatures were 5c in canmore @6am, 3c in Lake Louise
at 7am, 1c in Field @8am. LOTS of cloud, fog and other forms of moisture around.
Saw no rain but I bet it fell somewhere and that the snowpack didn't like
it.
It is not horrendous, but unless it
cools the next couple of days could be a poor time to
be hanging around under big avalanche paths or big hanging daggers.
There were a few very unusual large natural avalanches in the past few days/week
so the warm temps will only tweak the snowpack more.
A thermometer would be a useful tool the next few
days as the forecast temps can be way off the actual temperatures in the
mountains at any one place or time.
Ice climbing conditions will be great if it cools
down and doesn't snow. In the short term however, Santa will know if you have
been naughty or nice. Be good and stick to the simple terrain unless you
are sure it is COLD and have a Merry Christmas.
Larry Stanier
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