Parks Canada staff was in the Mt Wheeler / Kilpatrick region of the Deville Neve from April 21-24, 2017. Wintery conditions prevailed above 2800m, with windslabs, large cornices, and loose solar-triggered slides forming the avalanche concerns. Glacier coverage was over 3m in all areas probed and most crevasses were very obvious.

Descending the Deville Neve to the rappels a solid refreeze was found from 2300m and below. The rappels were in good shape, with the 2nd and 3rd stations needing snow/ice cleared to find them. Three rappels were required to reach the lower slopes and put the skis back on. Climbing out of Glacier Circle via the Witches Tower route required ski crampons and a short boot pack, due to the very hard crust encountered. The final descent off the Illecillewaet Neve had "cream cheese" powder on a supportive crust to 1800m. Below this elevation in the afternoon, the crust had broken down and plenty of kick-turns and humour were needed to get to the highway.

Spring conditions are here and there is plenty of snow up high to do the longer traverses still. Enjoy the rest of the ski season!

Chris Gooliaff
Glacier National Park Visitor Safety