[MCR] Lyell Icefield and Glacier River

Subject: [MCR] Lyell Icefield and Glacier River
Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 20:39:25 -0600
With partner Kendra Stritch I enjoyed a 4 day recreational tour of the Lyells 
29 Apr - 2 May.

A good overnight freeze 28 Apr made for great travel up the Glacier River 
valley. Skiing at valley bottom was mainly supportive.

Snow coverage on the Lyell Icefield was consistently greater then 250cm. Wind 
effect was prevalent and we observed solar effect on S aspects to 3200m on 1 
May. We observed numerous cornice failures on E aspects resulting in avalanches 
to sz 2. Ski crampons were helpful on scoured W aspects and without, ascents of 
Mt Lyell and Mt Rudolph would be difficult.

Below 2500m spring conditions prevailed on our egress. There were numerous 
point releases to sz 2 on S aspects, and mud and rock slides on lateral 
moraines.

Travel at valley bottom deteriorated significantly this week. Almost no 
ice/snow bridges remain over the braided river. It was still possible to ski 
across Glacier Lake.

Recent grizzly bear tracks were observed throughout the valley. 

Brent Peters
Alpine Guide
yamnuska.com


Sent from my iPhone
_______________________________________________
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.