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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