Hi all,

I guided and ascent of the North ridge of Mount Assiniboine Monday August 26th. We were in the area for about 5 days based out of the Hind Hut. The weather was mixed. Saturday, a cold front brought up to 15 cm of snow above 3200m. This snow overlies a previous dusting at higher elevation. Most of the new snow was melted on solar aspect until the new weather front started today. Seems like cooler Fall weather is setting in.

From 3200m upwards, the North ridge was mostly snow covered and wintery. Also, some verglas had formed on previous days making for spicy mixed conditions. There was much less snow/verglas on the ridge proper but the upper north face was holding most of the recent snow. Some 20-30cm pockets of wind slabs from Saturday's moderate to strong SW winds were observed with no reactivity.

Crampons were used on 2/3 of the climb. It made for slow progress however, we had a strong group and excellent weather on Monday.

Nice to be alpine mixed climbing in the high country!

Cheers,

David Lussier
ACMG/IMFGA Mountain Guide
www.summitmountainguides.com