[MCR] Mts Columbia and Andromeda

Subject: [MCR] Mts Columbia and Andromeda
Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 19:46:04 -0600
March 30th approached the Columbia Icefield via the Athabasca Glacier. Snowcoach road is up and operating. Passing the second step on climber's left, and then traversing back to the ramp up the third step, would be less nerve wracking than passing it on climber's right through the serac debris of Snowdome, think I'll give the left side a go if I ever go back there.

We were able to straight line climb the ramp with sleds and our heel lifts up. Camped on the last bench before the Trench.

12 hours return to camp on Mt Columbia on the 31st. We ascended the South Ridge because the East Face looked a little spooky with wind and snow (having said that the East face may be fine. We didn't go so we don't know). The South Ridge is in rimed up winter shape.

April 1 we moved camp to the BC/Alta border at the head of the Athabasca Glacier.

April 2 climbed Andromeda via the South ridge which is fine shape, skis on into the Andromeda/Unamed col.

Very, very cold up there until this am (April 3). Had mitts and quilted pants on for several days.

Happy trails

Barry Blanchard
Mountain Guide
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures


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