[MCR] Andromeda, Asteroid Alley, Shooting Galley

Jasper Visitor Safety Staff climbed Asteroid Alley on Mt Andromeda on Wednesday, November 4th. The approach over the glacier was typical of early season with 5 to 15 cm of surface snow and weak bridging over the crevasses which required diligent probing to find the safest route. Snow cone snow was supportive and provided deep step kicking for added security. No significant avalanche concerns were found underfoot though there was fairly consistent sloughing, at times heavy, in the afternoon as the wind picked up on descent. The biggest observation was the complete lack of usable ice on the route. The first pitch had only a smear of just supportive snice making suitable ice protection impossible.  The rock protection is sporadic and poor requiring rare and multiple pieces to provide any adequate fall protection. Descended via a fairly consistent chain of piton anchors on climber's right side of the gully was a rope stretcher at 35 m and does require some easy down climbing on steep snow sections. Only had glimpses into Shooting Gallery and Andromeda Strain but assume that they're equally anemic. Temperatures remained a steady -10 and we had light SW winds in the morning and moderate in the afternoon.

Jasper Visitor Safety

Parks Canada    

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