[MCR] Abbott Pass

Subject: [MCR] Abbott Pass
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 22:30:37 -0700
July 2-4 
Some snow patches getting up to the hut from Lake Ohara make some of the 
travelling a bit easier but those are going quick.  No rockfall observed.

Lows of +8 each night.  Calm at the pass all of the days.  Climbed W face of 
Lefroy yesterday.  A thin melt freeze crust overlying the wet snow below.  
Good boot/calf steps all the way up. Hard enough in spots to warrant crampons. 
No avalanche activity observed on Lefroy. 

One party on Victoria reporting very slushy conditions with some double edged 
cornices.  Some avalanche activity up to size 2 on the E aspects of Victoria 
observed. Cornices are starting to peel off randomely now as well.

Seems to be a very small window of opportunity with the warm temps.  Solar 
aspects breaking down almost immedietely. 

Steve Holeczi
Alpine Guide/ Assistant Ski Guide