[MCR] Murchison Falls - Rockies ice

Subject: [MCR] Murchison Falls - Rockies ice
Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 10:54:49 -0700
Fantastic day on Murchison Falls yesterday with Rob and Zach. Mostly clear 
skies, light winds and -6c at the trailhead in the am.
The slopes that threaten the approach trail are holding little snow and we did 
not feel exposed on the hike in. There was some debris in the boulder field 
that prob ran during the last storm a couple weeks ago. At treeline, what's 
left has settled out and there is a semi-supportive temperature crust from the 
warm weather we've had lately. Found supportive hard slabs on slopes between 
lower pitches. 

We zigzagged up the right side of the route utilizing caves for sheltered 
belays. Ice was dry where we climbed. Last pitch offered featured climbing on 
interesting ice. Lots of new ice and a mixture of snow and ice. Felt like wi4+ 
but good protection was tricky to find. Ice quality varied from excellent to 
poor aerated ice. 

Temperatures cooled off in the afternoon and it was -8c when we drove off 
around 730. 

No avalanches observed. 


JPEG image




Kris Irwin - ACMG Alpine Guide
www.rockies-ice.com

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