Happy Holidays
Just finished a guiding trip up on the Mons and Lyell area. Dec. 14-18th. Using Icefall Lodge's Mons and Lyell huts.
The skiing up high above 2400m is as good as it gets. Low density powder skiing on protected northerly aspects was the flavour of the week. Wind scoured on solar aspects.
The glaciers are seeing good coverage. Considering the year BC is having. Looking almost as good as what i saw up there last april. This is due to the lack of heavy wind events the Rockies experienced last March/April. Coverage is anywhere from 1.6 - 3 meters depending on location.
The snow pack observations and test showed a relatively strong snow pack in the deeper areas. The concern of the trip was a consistent facet layer buried about 50-70 cms down. Overlying a variety of old wind slabs. This layer was producing results in the upper end of moderate and hard range. Resistant planar results.
The shallower, rocky areas around ridge top on the steep features is something the group consistently stayed clear of.
The group skied three of the five lyell peaks, Mons Peak and a few other steep shots around the Crampon Col area. We had stunning weather and pleasant temps around -5 to -10 C.
This is the place to ski now. Go get it.
Jonny Simms
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
1(604)815-9225
Golden, BC