We spent May 14 & 15th touring to & ascending Mt Columbia via the Athabasca
Glacier and the East Ridge route.
Travel conditions ranged from firm & supportive crusts (yesterday & this
morning to 10 AM) to sticky schmoo (early afternoon) at trip's end on the lower
Athabasca glacier. We had an overnight temp of -2.5 @ 2800m, camped just East
of the 'trench'.
Numerous crevasses were open on the top third of the ascent of Mt Columbia, we
elected to use a rope through this area. Thanks to numerous previous parties,
we had a good boot pack trail right to the summit. Descending was straight
forward plunge stepping, though crampons were useful on the top section where
firmer snow was encountered.
Of note was the change we noticed in the snow bridges on the flat sections
below and above the Athabasca Glacier ramp. Numerous sags & new cracks appeared
overnight as a result of no overnight freeze at lower elevations.
There is a plethora of wind shelters in the usual camp sites, including one
established within a km of Mt Columbia. Lots of choices; some will need a bit
of attention, others were in great shape and even included a latrine spot! The
ravens are ever present & scheming, looking for any food that is not well
protected from their pirating ways.
Dave Healey
SG, CAA2
Revelstoke, BC
Ken Bélanger
ASG, CAA2
Canmore, AB
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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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