[MCR] Sorcerer, Ghost River, Alberta

Subject: [MCR] Sorcerer, Ghost River, Alberta
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:59:10 -0700
The Sorcerer is in good condition. Thick ice and good screws on both the upper pitches and the often-thin-and-hollow lower pitches.

Of note:

There was a significant pile (class 2) of old avalanche debris at the bottom of the route. Debris was mostly the consistency of a wet avalanche with some TV to beer fridge sized chunks in it. It appeared to be from a cornice collapse triggering the snow slope at half height-- likely during the warm spell last week. The halfway snow slope is now a combination of hard and soft snow-- not soft enough to slow any ice debris. There are also some sections of cornice remaining above the route, which may become a concern if it warms up again.

There is a fair amount of ice lensing on the route, so some extra time was necessary for the placements and pro.

Josh Briggs
Asst. Guide


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