[MCR] Windy Range, Northern Selkirks, July 18th, 2009

Spent the last two weeks guiding in the remote Windy Range of the Northern Selkirks with the ACC General Mountaineering Camp.  We were able to climb most of the high peaks in the area (Neptune, Trident, Escarpment, etc) and enjoyed the sunny weather of the past week. 

 

The heat of the past several days has meant little or no freezing overnight up to mountain top (3000m+).  As a result the snowpack has been disappearing rapidly on all aspects and numerous wet avalanches were observed in steeper terrain.  We were very cautious about venturing into steep snow terrain or areas with potential for snow melt induced rockfall.  Creek crossings have also gotten quite sporting with the melting.  Glacier travel remained good in the deep snowpack areas (1m+) while shallow snowpack areas are isothermal with weak snow bridges.  Lots more bare ice showing every day.  Rock routes were dry and in good shape on all aspects.

 

Lots of fun climbing to be had but start early, keep the rope tight on the glaciers, and watch for exposure to steep snow slopes until the snow cools down or settles out a bit more in this area.

 

Enjoy the great weather!

Conrad Janzen
IFMGA Mountain Guide
www.conradjanzenguiding.com

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