[MCR] This House of Sky, The Ghost, Canadian Rockies (April )

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

This House of Sky, The Ghost, Canadian Rockies (April )

This House of Steps, err... I mean Sky, is still clinging to its  
winter facade--as long as you are not opposed to a staircase up the  
ice. The ice is only seeing a little sun in the morning so it is still  
blue for the most part (and brittle if you don't swing at the pock- 
marks). Of course, there is exposed choss perched on ledges above the  
gully, but there is no snow to melt and lubricate said choss, so rock  
fall was not really a concern despite the balmy temperatures this  
afternoon. We descended after doing the little steep pillar/curtain in  
the upper bowl (which also is in good shape with cold, blue ice and  
sinker hooks and steps).

We parked at the new bridge across from GBU since the sign there  
stated that the track beyond the bridge is only open from December 1  
to March 31. Other cars drove further, but it seems like a bad idea to  
mess with the fragile access to the North Ghost.

Finally, there was some discussion and confusion this year on  
Gravsports.com about the photo on page 132 of Joe Josephson's  
Waterfall Ice guidebook stating "The final pitches of This House of  
Sky". People were right to be confused as this photo is not THOS but  
in fact looks to be R&D. Darn guidebook authors....

Sean Isaac
ACMG Alpine Guide






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