[MCR] Coast: The Spearhead Traverse Feb. 13th

Subject: [MCR] Coast: The Spearhead Traverse Feb. 13th
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:38:56 +0000
Went around the Spearhead Traverse yesterday (Friday 13th Feb.).

Avalanches: Numerous small size 1 loose avalanches observed in steep terrain all aspects within recent storm snow. Also evidence of an old large cycle.

Crevasses: Still many exposed holes and the odd thin bridge on the regular travel routes required some careful route finding in places. We also rappelled off the rock band south of Overlord to avoid crevasses.

Snow conditions: Height of snow probed on glaciers ranged from 120cm on the west aspect of Iago Glacier to over 200cm on most other glaciers. Good trail breaking on 20cm of recent low density storm snow over a crust. This storm snow had seen little wind affect. Great skiing all aspects except for steep solar where a sun crust had formed. Ski crampons were not required.

Singing Pass trail was fast and icy. Be particularly cautious after the slump where there are two nasty ditches (both marked with flagging tape on the alders).

Weather: Thin scattered skies with increasing cloudiness. Cold temps, -11 degrees at the bottom of Benvolio Glacier at 2:15pm. Light winds.

Alex Geary
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide



Win £3000 to spend on whatever you want at Uni! Click here to WIN!
_______________________________________________
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.