[MCR] Icefields Conditions

Subject: [MCR] Icefields Conditions
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:24:08 -0600

Further to Barry’s post of the other day. We climbed A2 on Sept 20 with a Yamnuska group. Probing shows up to 80 cm of accumulated snow on top of the late August neve. wth an estimated 35 cm being the recent storm snow of this past week. I did not find any weaknesses or notice any slabbing in this location. Travel was remarkably good between 8800 and 10000 ft with strong bridges and minimal poking into crevasses although the trail breaking was strenuous. Below 8800 it is a different world with thin weak bridges and enough new snow to make route selection difficult. We did not observe any slab avalanches although there were sizable and quite audible point releases draining the steeper faces, especially during periods of thin cloud when the radiation had more effect.

 

James

 

James Blench

www.jamesblench.ca

(403)678-2576 home

(403) 678-7822 cell

 

_______________________________________________
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.