Just back this afternoon from a May 24 to 30 trip in and around the
Columbia Icefields. We experienced generally unsettled weather, quite a bit of
rain thru the period and limited overnight recovery. Travel anywhere with tree
cover was post holing and unpleasant. Despite the limited freeze travel on the
glaciers was “not too bad” where ever the snow cover exceeded a meter; below a
meter and there was often crotch deep post holes. Many sags are becoming visible
over crevasses. Most notable conditions wise was a slab avalanche cycle
beginning on the 26th and continuing sporadically as of this morning. Most
releases were in unglaciated terrain on easterly aspects; about 2500 to 2700m
elevation, often running to ground and up to size three in size. Accompanying
the slabs was on going loose wet avalanches generally in the size 1 to 2 range
usually stopping high on the slopes. With the ongoing unsettled weather
and potential for rain we avoided being underneath any slopes capable of
producing avalanches due to the unusual nature of the big slab releases. First
mosquito hatch last night and burly ticks in the Icefields campground....at
least June will be here soon!
Play safe...
James Blench IFMGA/UIAGM
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jbalpine@telusplanet.net.vcf
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