Hello
I just finished a trip at Icefall Lodge this past week. Feb 21-28th. A lot of summits were climbed and also were skied. Mons Peak, Lyell 2,3,5, Division Peak, Icefall Peak and also Forbes. Ski quality was excellent.
The Snowpack through out the week had no significant shears in the lower and mid snowpack on most aspects. The only concern at the beginning of the week was a shear down 20-25 cm's. A product of last weeks skiff of new snow around Golden.
The previous hot weather experienced about two weeks ago has created a crust on solar aspects. The "skiff" from last week was running on this layer up to size 2.5 in the Alpine mid week. During the heat of the day.
On Friday the 27th, Mons/Lyell experienced some substantial East winds that destroyed the ski quality. Icefall lodge itself did not have these same winds. Being a bit more protected and west of the ice fields.
The conditions on Forbes were ideal. Myself guiding a client up the West ridge and descending the same ridge. Friends of mine skiing the NW face. Which they reported was in good condition. This summit day was the 23rd of Feb. The boot pack up the lower face and the ridge was perfect styrofoam. Perfect steps with some chopping made the short roping ascent relatively casual. We used crampons for the way up.
Jon Simms
Jonny Simms
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
1(604)815-9225
Golden, BC