[MCR] Peyto area

Subject: [MCR] Peyto area
Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:26:21 -0700

Spent a few days around peyto this week.  Generally excellent travel on glaciers.  Snow is melting quick to say the least.  Steeper slope on glacier approach is almost all ice now (crampons required).  Lots of partially covered crevasses if you cut too early towards the hut, better to swing wide for now.  No good freezes, however radiational cooling yielded good travel in the am.

 

Of Significant note was an avalanche that occurred around 0800 on Friday the 13th.  The avalanche was on the east face of Mt Baker.  It was a deep slab avalanche triggered by a falling cornice.  Elevation was about 10200’, and the slope a little over 40degrees.  The slab was up to 120cm thick and about 40meters wide, it was size 2.5.  Warm overnight temperatures, as well as morning sun on that aspect were major factors.  Be mindfull of similar features where large cornices loom above steep alpine slopes and faces.  With the continued heat, the presence of some large winter cornices, and a deep alpine snowpack, this sort of avalanche can be expected to continue.

Jeff Honig MG

 

Jeff Honig

Mountain Guide

Alpine Addictions

Box 1106

Revelstoke BC

V0E2S0

(250)837-2215 (home)

(240)837-1333 (cell)

jeff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx