[MCR] Stanley Mitchell area

Subject: [MCR] Stanley Mitchell area
Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:52:22 +0000
Just spent a few days guiding for Yamnuska mountain adventures with fellow 
guides Greg Yavorsky and Richard Howes.
We stayed at the SM Hut on the night of the 17th. We came expecting full winter 
conditions. We climbed on both the 17th and 18th. On friday the weather was 
cool "ish" and we never really hand sun. We had some melting verglass and soft 
ground to travel on with very little precip during the day. There was no snow 
on any of the trails, snow line being well above tree line.
Overnight on the 17th the sky cleared and temps dropped. By morning everything 
was frozen still and the skies remained clear the whole day.
Trails we snow free but hard, wood. Bridges slippery, rock was ice covered and 
snow was just perfect for crampon free travel even on steep ground. We kept our 
objectives to "scrambling peaks". Our objectives, the Mt Kurr traverse and the 
Whale back traverse were snow covered and more like alpine objectives than 
scrambles. Foot pen was mostly boot top with a few breakthrough areas punching 
to knee depth.
Of note, NF aspects such ad Kurr had significant wind slabs near ridge line and 
enjoyable yet wild snow features on ridge top. The features made for fun 
climbing but could of been problematic on more exposed ridges.
We also noted large surface hoar yesterday morning on all aspects. This layer 
is now being buried, likely our first major layer for the season in this 
general area.

Old man winter is back...at least for now. But maybe "for now" is just because 
I still want to be rock climbing.

Patrick Delaney
ACMG Alpine Guide
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
_______________________________________________
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.

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