[MCR] Columbia Icefields....long weekend

Subject: [MCR] Columbia Icefields....long weekend
Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:17:12 -0600
3 days at the icefields over the long weekend. I know there were other parties up and about but not sure whether they will report. Parker's ridge still has some snow for schools but it is frozen and semi icy needing crampons.

We opted for Boundary Peak on the 2nd day and the route is mostly ice with a bit of new snow, Good travel. Descent via scree trail. Very foggy on the Sunday with very light scattered precip and no winds.
Monday up Wilcox Peak which was dry.....clear by mid morning no winds.

Talked to a party who turned around on Silverhorn on Sunday due to the lack of visibility. Asking what decent route they were going to choose they were going to use the ramp. (which doesn't look like it has slid) The new snowline seems to be aorund 9500ft with some variance. More up higher for sure....

Did not see any other parties on Athabasca on the nicer Monday.(yesterday)
A fellow guide mentioned the AA col was doable a week ago for descent. but this could have some slabbed pockets up high in the gullies now and the most part is scree.... The ramp of course is still a concern, the runnout is over big seracs, with even a small instability the consequences are big.... Maybe things will settle in or clean out but choose a place to test the snow where the consequences are negligible.

Peter Amann
Mountain Guide, ACMG
pamann@xxxxxxxxxxxx

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