[MCR] Vowells - Bugaboos, Purcell Mountains, June 27th, 2008

Just back from enjoying some granite traveling in the Vowell Glacier area of the Bugaboos and setting up for the Alpine Club GMC.  Still quite a bit of snow remaining up high on the glaciers and rock faces, especially along the E side of the ridge crests.  Glacier travel was OK in the morning but got soft with lots of post holing in the afternoon.  Crevasses are beginning to show up but care is required as many of the bridges are present but fairly soft especially at lower elevations.  Hiking out yesterday there was snow down to 2100m in the trees though it will be disappearing quickly with this warm weather. 

 

Many of the lower elevation routes and south and west facing routes are dry or coming into shape quickly.  Expect some deep snow on the approaches/descents and watch for overhead hazard from melting snow/rockfall.  Attached are some photos of the area from the top of Brenta Spire. 

 

Cheers, Conrad Janzen
IFMGA Mountain Guide
403.678.8336(cell) or 403.760.0887(home)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/conradjanzenphotos

Houndstooth and Marmolata.JPG
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NE Ridge on Bugaboo Spire.JPG
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North Post S Face.JPG
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Snowpatch-Pigeon-Bugaboo Spire.JPG
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