[MCR] Polar Circus - Nov. 30th

This is a few days old now, but on Friday Nov. 30th, myself and a friend climbed Polar Circus. 

 

Route Conditions: The route was in good, although wet conditions.  Not much evidence of previous ascents, and lots of snow covered ice.  The Pencil pitch is formed, but is still quite skinny with flowing water visible inside.  We decided to walk around it.

 

Snow/ Avalanche Conditions: We found 40- 50 cm of snow on the slope turning the pencil, and didn't note any shears, whumphing, cracking or other signs of instability.  It seemed like there had been very little wind in this area yet this year, so the snowpack felt relatively uniform with not much in the way of hard slab development. However, this could change quickly with new snow/ increased winds. 

 

There was old avalanche debris in the gully between the Pencil and the upper tiers that made for firm walking and was covered by ~ 5 cm of snow indicating there had been some avalanche activity in the bowls above earlier this season.

 

It's been snowing of and on this weekend in Lake Louise, and I'd imagine the avalanche hazard in that area has risen. 

 

Stay safe.

 

Ian Jackson

ACMG Aspirant Guide

 

 

 

 

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