[MCR] Rockies ice climbing

Subject: [MCR] Rockies ice climbing
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:03:14 -0500 (EST)
Finished some low-hazard guiding with a couple of fit and keen Europeans starting Saturday with:

Haffner Ck - busy, lots of good ice options including further up the Ck if you want to escape the throngs. Good to see everyone choosing Haffner over more exposed routes, there was lots of talk about this.

Snowline & Moonlight - again, busy. Start ridiculously early for these if you don't like to wait. Both in good shape, bring short screws for Snowline and be prepared to recycle the screw holes. Moonlight felt on the hard side of WI4 even though it was hooked out. With 70m ropes we got to the big ledge comfortably; 60m ropes are adequate. Good trail into Rehab according to reports.

Weeping Wall Right -- seems it's filled out more since Sarah's last MCR report last week. Good classic WI5 climbing. Watch the heat, it gets hot early and stays for the whole day up top.

Whiteman Falls -- wow is this ever in great shape right now: exciting, steep to overhanging and three dimensional, but with great ice and good feet it's a steal at WI6. Remember to bring the wax kit for the approach and forget about the skins -- with circa 1995 skinny AT skis and Red-Silver wax we did the 5 km in 30 minutes.

Regards,
Tom Wolfe
AAG/ASG
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The 
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in 
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.