[MCR] Tower of Babel. Temple East Ridge

Ian Jackson and I  managed to squeeze
an ascent of the Tower of Babel in between the morning deluge and the afternoon
showers yesterday. The face is dry except for some small avoidable seeps
below the ski jump and the descent gulley is snow free and soft. All the
anchors are double ring bolt stations and in good shape.

Of note were the more or less constant
wet snow avalanches occurring on all of the slopes both north and south
throughout the valley while the sun was out. In particular, the south face
of Temple was in constant motion with multiple isothermal avalanches coming
off the steep snow faces. The east ridge black tower bypass would definitely
not be a place you would want to be with these conditions. It looks like
another week at least of melt before this section will come into shape.
(See Photo)

For now, or until we get a good freeze
overnight, any steep snow slopes around the main ranges would not be a
good idea.

Brad White

Mountain Guide

Temple East Ridge 20110713.jpg
Description: JPEG image

_______________________________________________
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.