I guided a ski traverse on the Wapta April 18-21. Great snow coverage from the
car all the way into the high country. We made our attempt to cross the Balfour
High Col on April 20th. The best coverage in Balfour Col that I can remember
seeing -no need to ski over, or around, rocks or pebble studded plaster
sidewalks of boilerplate (more common in previous years). I tried to thread the
needle through the massive crevasses on the glacier ramp to keep a serac eater
on our uphill side, but got stymied by cross crevasses. We backtracked out of
the maze and went around skier's right of all of the crevasses (I recommend
doing that). We turned tail soon after in worsening weather that sent us on a
long tramp through the white-out and wind back to Bow Hut. 15-20 cms of light
dry new snow fell that day and night and when the 21st dawned sunny the skiing
was mighty fine, dry above 7500 feet, but getting spongy on steeper solar
aspects below that, yet still great to ski.
My last trip of the season,
happy trails,
Barry Blanchard
UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide
http://www.barryblanchard.ca
http://www.yamnuska.com
barryb3@xxxxxxxxx
1 403 609 4615
cell 1 403 609 1321
_______________________________________________
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.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml#unsubscribe to remove your name from
this list.
|