[MCR] Willingdon area and Pipestone

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Attempted to climb Willingdon from August 26-28. Beautiful weather 
going in on 26th, good conditions. (until late in day) An intense 
cold front brought strong winds and heavy rainfall the night of the 
26th. Temperatures dropped 10 degrees over a few hours. We had strong 
winds and an intense dust storm near the north end of Pipestone Pass 
as the system approached which was knocking us off our feet!

(check out this short clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTFUKj8qP8o)

We accessed the Pipestone via col NE of Molar meadows by small lake. 
 From above the small lake a bench at 2600 metres (526253) leads SE 
to another lake then to trail. This route though longer than 
quartzite col is easier and probably better if wet or snowy.

The 27th was unsettled and the peak had picked about 10cm of snow and 
weather still very unsettled. Snow line was down to 2400 metres and 
spotty with some peaks getting much more snow than others. We decided 
to start to head out and were hit by another system on the which gave 
another 5-10cm at upper elevations late in the day.

This route though longer than quartzite col is easier and probably 
better if wet or snowy.
Driving home late afternoon on the 28th ran into an intense snow 
storm near the icefields and it looks like much more snow at and 
above treeline in the Jasper area.
Spectacular country.....just one day late!

Peter Amann

Peter Amann
Mountain guide
pamann at incentre.net
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