Subject: | [MCR] Watchtower Basin Unnamed 2600metres |
---|---|
Date: | Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:56:47 -0600 |
Jim and I up today into Watchtower Basin near Medicine Lake south
east of Jasper. Skied up summer trail to upper creek in 2 hours.
Always looked at this nice NE low angle ramp that leads up to a 2600ft summit on the true left side of the Basin. This peak forms the left side of Watchtower Basin. Upper slopes were low angle up to 25 degrees and led down through a nice open bowl and boulder field and back to the creek. Most of the terrain is less than 20 degrees. In general at treeline the snowpack is about 120-130cm....just enough to keep you floating! Upper run is close to 700 metres and most of it was good skiing, until you get back down close to the creek. Some of the westerly or southerly slopes were sun crusted with sugary snow underneath. The summer trail had an old track in it which was better than we thought for coming down. Survival skiing for the last 200 metres of elevation. We noted some localized whoomphs in some of the flatter shallower areas in the upper bowl. Some of the S-SW aspects across from the parking area at Watchtower have released as well as some activity on the Medicine Lake Slabs. Felt like winter up high....spring down in the trees.This is a great trip, over 1000 metres elevation gain from the road and about 8 kms one way. Probably best done a bit earlier in the season, and pick a good snow year! Certainly an aesthetic line and maybe a possible new classic in the Jasper area? Peter Amann Mountain Guiding Box 1495, Jasper AB, T0E 1E0 780 852 3237 cell 780 931 2521 www.incentre.net/pamann/ pamann@xxxxxxxxxxxx amannpeterr@xxxxxxxxx
upper Basin.jpg
watchtower left summit2.jpg
watchtower left summit.jpg _______________________________________________ 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. |
Previous by Date: | [MCR] Rockies, Divide Creek, Public Mountain Conditions Report |
---|---|
Next by Date: | [MCR] Resplendent Mountain, Public Mountain Conditions Report |