Tried to climb Lefroy this morning. Best coverage in many years and a cool, clear night. Not exactly sure what factors led to this but we had good conditions to about 1/2 way up the Abbott Pass slope then it was just plain terrible to the Pass. From shallow boot pen to an average 2cm crust and moist granular snow underneath to the ground in most places. We plowed a mighty trench to the pass but could not justify going any further. It was going to suck and would probably turn to loose wet avalanche conditions shortly after that crust melted.

Still lots of loose wet boulder filled avalanche potential on the Huber ledges and All Souls trails in the heat of the day.

Short nights, inversions, maybe some ridge top clouds? At least there is for now a good ladder to the Pass. I would go back as it "should" set up well with another cold clear night but such are the mysteries of snow.

Larry Stanier
ACMG Mountain Guide