[MCR] Athabasca Andromeda Approach Trail Rock slide

Subject: [MCR] Athabasca Andromeda Approach Trail Rock slide
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:58:06 -0600

Hi everyone




On Aug 14th sometime between 2:30 am -11:30 am, the approach trail up to the AA col has once again slid on perma ice @ 2400m.  This slide, 50 meters wide and has run 100 meters in length ( sz 2), has taken out a portion of the trail.  There is now exposed ice on route.  There was no freeze overnight for multiple days in a row leading up to this event.  This is the second time in a year this has happened.  Last year ACMG guide Stevie B. reported a similar event in the same area, which i was also present for.  Again, it was a hot summer spell with alot of melting.


I also noticed alot of active seracs, more then normal glacial water run off, and some large rockfall happen over the time frame i was present.  Which was Aug 12-14th.


I will now will be thinking about the overnight freeze of consecutive days and the new hazard that has been presented when approaching Athabasca by this route.  


There are still numerous areas along the trail which still look quite unstable.


There are photos attached which are waiting for approval by the MCR on an identical email.  I felt the need to get this out asap.





Jonny Simms                             
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
1(604)815-9225
Golden, BC

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