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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continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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