[MCR] Howsons 18 Jul 11

Subject: [MCR] Howsons 18 Jul 11
Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:41:43 -0700
On a climb of the Middle Solitaire Peak (2400 m) today, we found so much snow that skis would have made sense from 1600 m on. There is no ice showing on the Solitaire Glacier. Travel was good. The final gully has a lot of snow in it which makes bypassing the bergschrund a bit awkward as the rock is wet and snow tongues encroach on it. The gully consisted of firm snow that allowed kicking steps without crampons. The main ridge has been socked in since we got here four days ago. I could briefly see a size 2.5 out of one of the Trident gullies. This may mean that the access to the N col of Howson still has avalanche issues. There was no freeze and no new snow at 2400 m, but quite a bit of rain. Both the Hut Creek and the Burnie River bridges are out, so a bit of wading will wake you up every morning. I hope to replace those bridges soon.

--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Qualified Avalanche Planner CAA
Box 4222        Smithers, B.C.          V0J 2N0 Canada
tel. 250-847-3351/ fax 250-847-2854
info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx              www.bearmountaineering.ca

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