Climbing Conditions

Climbing Conditions

Objectives:
June 27: Parker's Ridge
June 28: North Tongue Athabasca Glacier
June 29 and 30: A2 S Ridge via North Tongue & Boundary Glacier, N Face Bypass up to N Ridge descending N ridge, AA Col area down regular Athabasca descent
July 1: David Thompson Corridor

Weather:
- Freezing Level averaging 3000m dropping to 2500m on June 30th
- Suspect up to 30cm of storm snow over June 27-29th which settled rapidly with warm temperatures on the 29th
- Another large system moved in on the afternoon of June 30th with freezing levels dropping to 2500m.
- We saw ongoing heavy precip through the night and all day on July 1st. Estimating 2-3mm/hour for the last 24 hours, this will no doubt add significant amounts of snow in the upper elevations.

Avalanche obs:
- Numerous Loose Wet avalanches on all aspects, up to Size 1.5
- on June 29th noted a Slab Avalanche approximately 24 hours old, triggered by a point release on Little Athabasca, Size 2.5, up to 1m deep, 150m wide, stepped down to ice

Notable Observations:
- surface snow is generally supportive, with isolated areas of 4F - F snow down 1 metre
- snow travel on Boundary glacier was variable with foot penetration ranging from supportive to waist deep in the morning
- bergschrunds on N Face Bypass and AA col were easily passed with avalanche debris bridging the bergschrund on the AA col
- constant reminder that the glacier is moving with evidence of ice fall and audible settlements on steeper glacial features
- bear closures along the David Thompson Corridor complicated venue selection and camping options

On The Map

These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.