I Did The Spearhead Traverse today from Blackcomb lifts with a singing pass
trail exit. Seems like today was the day for it.
- Overnight recovery of the surface snow with –7 morning air temperatures.
- Cloud increased through the day with some afternoon flurries.
- Down hill skiing was fast on a supportive surface.
- Uphill track-setting was challenging, even with ski crampons. Hard
on the feet.
- Dust on crust high up on a few glaciers only.
- Evidence of wet loose avalanches to size 2.5 on many solar aspects.
Several days old.
- Some steep east aspects moist at mid day. By mid afternoon refrozen
as the weather changed.
- Freezing level stayed below tree-line at approx. 1600 meters all day.
- Tomorrow, Friday is the start of high freezing levels. Right to
ridge top.
- The crust won’t hang on as long.
- Early starts are key, aspect is very important as the sun moves around
through the day.
- Singing pass trail was very fast and icy in the upper half. Slow and
wet through the bottom third. The snow disappeared 1 km from the
end. Walking from there was pretty straightforward.
Chris
Lawrence
ACMG Mountain Guide IFMGA
CAA Professional member
mobile: 604
892-4686
chrislawrence@xxxxxxx
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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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